The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-12
RIOT IN THE DEPUTIES.
Opposing Parties Used Their Fists
The Premier's speech.

BRUSSELS, April 1.-THE sitting of the
Chamber of Deputies to-day was charac-
terized by violent scenes. The premier,
Count De Naeyer. referring to the deplora-
BILE events of yesterday said: ''The appeal
of the Socialists to the population proves
that it is their avowed plan to continue
the struggle. even after Parliament has
pronounced on the revision bill Their aim
is the dethronement Of power and the tri-
umph of revolution. The government is
resolved that the debate on the revision
bill shall occur. in spite of the assertions
of the Moniteur Socialiste TO the contrary"
At this point in the premier's speech vio-
arose between the deputies Of the opposing
parties. Liberals and Socialists engaged in
a sharp discussion concerning the agree
ment concluded by them for the defense of
universal suffrage, and NJ. Demblen. a So
cialist shouted: I'VE are betrayedv'
At the close of the sitting Socialist dep
uties. shouting Jesuit thief" stormed the
Presidents tribune. Ushers were then
summoned to preserve order, and a vio-
lent scene ensued, in which blows were
freely exchanged.
After the chamber was closed members
of the Left party and Socialists proceeded
TO the Maison du Peuple with the intention
OF persuading the people TO cease their
demonstration until next week. The
Maison was surrounded by a civic guard,
but meeting was permitted to be held in
side. NJ. Van Der Velder and other speak
ers at the meeting advocated that the peo-
pie remain calm and have recourse to
general strike next week If the govern
ment used force. AS the persons who at
tended the meeting were dispensing, and
in spite of the precaution of permitting
only a few of them to leave at one time
conflicts with the police occurred. Mount
ed gendarmes cleared the streets and many
of the demonstrators fired their revolvers.
During the evening there were several
other outbreaks in the city. The police
charged the rioters and about twenty-five
persons were wounded. Many others were
arrested. All those arrested were armed
with revolvers.
Demonstrations and encounters also oc-
Cured at Liege, Ghent and elsewhere. the
most serious being at Houdeng -Goegnies,
in the coal district. During the collision
between the police and the strikers at that
place the latter used brick bats and fire
arms. The police fired upon the rioters
killing a coal miner and a young girl
Fifteen persons were wounded including
two policemen. Mounted infantry finally
dispersed the mob. Troops are being moved
TO the various provincial points where there
disorders.
fixed i'm the Chamber for next Saturday
The Socialists seem to fear that the gov
ernment will rush the budget and prorogue
the Chamber before next Tuesday the date
fixed for the discussion of universal suf-
frage.
The civic guard is again under arms to-
night and all the police possible have been
doubled
General business i'm the city has been
practically undisturbed by the disorders,
which are almost wholly confined to the
district around the Maison du Peuple. Else
where the streets and boulevards have their
customary appearance. People are on the
streets and the cafes and restaurants are
busy.
So far as Brussels is concerned II is
felt that the authorities are quite masters
of the situation. But should a general strike
be declared and be generally followed
which is considered doubtful a dangerous
situation might arise, as troops would be
needed everywhere and could not be
massed at any particular point.
At Cabinet council held to-day, at
which King Leopold presided it was de-
cided that the discussion of the suffrage
question should be fixed for next Wednes-
day The King appeared to favor a con-
ciiiatory attitude. but the government will
oppose the introduction OF universal suf-
frage