The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1902-04-17
OrGnching Rain Prevents Dem
OnstatiOn on Streets,
100000 MEN GO ON STRIKE
Serious Disorders Have Occurred In
the Coal Fields of Seraing and
1000 Persons Engage In
Big Rock Battle.

Brussels, April 16.-The galleries of the
Chamber of Representatives were filled
to their capacity today when the debate
on the proposed revising of the constitu-
ton began. M. Bernaert, the former
president of the chamber. opened the dis
cussion. He was frequently interrupted
by NJ. Vandervelde, the Socialist leader
with shouts of universal suffrage is su-
preme."
M. Bernaert expressed the belief that
the present Belgian electoral system was
satisfactory.
After the speech of M. Bernaert and a
speech delivered by M. Ferron, progress
ist. which monopolized the entire session
and fell very fiat, the opening day of the
debate on the proposed revision of the
constitution ended in what was almost a
fasco. The members were evidently
waiting for the delivery Of the speeches
of the Socialist and Liberal leaders and
the response of the premier, M. De Smelt
de Mayor tomorrow and Friday. when it is
expected vote will be taken which will
instill life into the parliamentary pro-
ceedings. The promised great demonstra-
tion in the streets on the adjournment of
the chamber dwindled to the appearance
of 200 persons, who accompanied the So
cialist deputies to the office of their or
gan, lie Peuple, where M. Vandervelde
from a window addressed the crowd.
Drenchine Rain Made Peace.
The collapse OF the proposed demonstra-
tion was traoeable to the drenching rain
and overwhelming precautions taken by
the police, which seemed to place fur
ther serious disturbances in Brussels out
of the question. A feeling is gaining
ground that the government will entirely
reject the proposed revision of the consti-
tuition
Prince Albert, son of the count of Flan-
ders. and heir presumptive to the throne
of Belgium, is major In the Grenadiel
Guards at present held In readiness fo
emergencies. The prince declined propo
sition to be replaced temporarily as ma
| jor of the Grenadiers. He said: 'If m,
men are called to a post of danger, /
will be my duty to lead them"
Dispatches from Liege announce tina
1000 miners and steel workers at Seranl
had conflict with the troops there. TIL.
soldiers charged and the strikers retaliat
ed with a fusilade of stones. Some of the
rioters finally sought refuse in the taverns
which were wrecked.
dynamite cartridge was exploded dur
ing the day on the railroad track near
Arlon. The explosion badly damaged the
railroad bridge, but traffic was not In
terrupted.
100000 On Strike.
1t is estimated that 100000 men have
gone out on a strike.
Serious disorders have occurred at Cock
erils, in the coal fields of Seraing. A de-
tachment of Lancers was compelled to
repeatedly charge a mob mum bering about
1000 persons engaged in throwing stones
at the troops. Many people were injured.
The cafes in which the rioters took re-
fuge were sacked
This evening 1t was estimated that 15o-
600 are out on strike in the districts
of Mons. Charleroi and Liege alone. Many
men have stopped work in other sections
of the country but it is difficult to ao-
curately estimate their numbers. 1t is
known, however. that $4,000 men have
struck at Antwerp.