New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-18
STORMY SCENE IN BELGIAN CHAMBER.
SOCIALIST PROTEST AGAINST EFFORT BY
THE PREMIER TO SHUT OFF DEBATE.

Brussels April 1.-THE debate the proposed
revision of the Belgian constitution was resumed
In the Chamber OF Representatives to-day NJ
Braun QiberaD advocated a speedy closing OF the
debate. in the interest of the whole country and
the Premier NJ. de Smet de Mayer. heartily in
dorsed the suggestion. He proposed that the
House continue sitting to-day until the question
settled.
The Socialists protested against the adoption of
the proposal but the Premier insisted on its adop-
ton NJ van der Velde the Socialist leader. criti-
cised the governments attitude. Instead OF ex-
tending the olive branch, he asserted, the Premier
offered fresh provoCation. The Socialists were ap-
solutely opposed the conclusion of the discussion
to-day on the ground that important events might
shortly occur
The speaker then pointed TO the fact that there
three hundred thousand men on strike ana
that they enjoyed respect of the middle classes
This statement was greeted with Socialist SHOUTS
Of The government thirsts for Blood.
The Premier maintained the wisdom of the pro-
posal for a speedy close of the debate.
Socialist shouts of "Trickeryr' "Treachery." 1T
will be the signal for revolution followed the
Premier s remarks
At this juncture NJ. van der yelde crossed the
floor and held a brief conversation with the Pre-
mier during which NJ. Troclet (Socalisb cried.
Then you want blood to flow tomorrow
The Premier having reiterated his unalterable adj
hesion to the proposal 20 closure the DEBATE. the
Socialists broke out into considerable uproar and
clenched their fists thTeatentngiy. but they con-
fined themselves to that and to uttering shouts OF
defiance The debate continued by the Pre-
mier. who amid frequent Interruptions. declared
that a further revision of the constitution would
not accord with the desires of the country lie dld
not believe that universal suffrage would be con-
duc!ve to the maintenance OF free institutions IN
Belgium The government was prepared TO eN-
anime hereafter arrangements calculated 10 mn
prove the conditions OF the country, put IL Woul9
not agree adopt universal suffrage, pure ana
simple which. he claimed. the Socialists alone de-
sired A revision Of the constitution, the Premier
further asserted would plunge the country into
turmoil, and the government utterly decAnei 10 De
driven at the dictation of the popuace ana uhoer
threats of strike agitation and violence
Renewed Socialist uproar, lncIuulIs thf tdtS "
civil war and shouts OF You have murdered one OF
the peope!' followed this announcement:
The Premier, after remarktnB that ne ueclneo 10
national institutions at stake. Ihe govern
ment was responsible for the honor and destiny or
the country. and was conscious or It's DUTY. ne
then invited the Chamber to reject the proposed
consideration of the proposal TO revise the con-
After violent speech by NJ. Janson (Progressist
country over the brink of civil war. the Premier
said the government was willing. for the sake OF
peace to withdraw the closure proposal;
van Neldc agreed to TINS, ana the tnatnper
fixed the hour for the voc on the
question OF a revision of the constitution at p m
tomorrow. ,,,. - ill.,, Ia.
The strike in the Brussels district has practically
ended The diamond workers of Antwerp did not
strike although they threatened TO do so.
The strikers in the Liege district now number
forty thousand and the strike at NerEiers ttour-
.ean miles asst of Iiage) has extended TO all the
surrounding communes. The striking miners at La
IouviAre fourteen miles west of CharleroD, how
shorty At Herstai three and half miles north
east of Liege) two thousand men have returned 10
Quiet prevails everywhere