New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-19
NETWORK TRIBUNE ILLUSTRATED SOfII1141

ism has found no foothold in the country. despite
the assertion of Motley; and if there are many
among the Socialists and Liberals who profess
no religion it is a case of either Roman Catholi-
eism or nothing with the BeIgians The leading
characteristic of both the races, read Mr..
RouIger's book seems to be their interchangeable
industry This of course. may be due to the
industrial conditions of the country, which COM
pei long hours and assiduous toll to gain a
very inconsiderable wage. But the fact that. in
spite of these drawbacks. the people preserve
a general air of cheerfulness and are able TO
save money tends to prove that their industry
is natural and not forced, however ill paid
it may be-
In only one district did the author find condi-
tions absolutely intolerable. and that in
the coal mining district known the "Borin-
age" Wages are at a minimum, owing to the
rapacty Of the mine owners, and the result is
the enforced employment of child labor. with its
natural concomitants of ignorance and crime.
Drunkenness is universal in the mining region.
and the sO-called gin" which is the usual bev-
erase, is a fiery and poisonous concoction. The
people are stunted well degraded. Many
of the men do not exceed four feet eight inches
in height. and the even smaller.
Labor organization is doing something to ameIi-
crate the condition of these miners. but much
remains 20 be accomplished An essentially COM
mercial and Industrial nation. living under a
very liberal constitution and with nominally
universal suffrage. the ycx popul is still hushed
for all practical purposes by giving additional
votes. not exceeding two. for certain educa-
tionaI and property qualifications The court
exercises little influence social life, and the
general tendency of society is TO form groups
hound together by Industrial class interests.
Working hard. the burghers have little time to
hut fhpir nd arta md
| literature not recognized among the social
factors.
Leaving aside the very small stratum that may
be called society. the mode Of life among the great
very much the same. Notwithstanding differences
OF income. occupation and education 1t
from the interior of his house as it would be 10
assign his profession or business from his appear
ance in the street
This is largely owing 70 the fact that every
| one aims to own his own home" and that the
houses all pretty much of the same pattern.
There is little entertaining. and the domestic
life is frugal: but it is the custom for each fam
lily periodically to dine out at some restaurant
or cabaret. This and an occasional visit to the
opera theatre almost their sole relaxa-
tons So far as games go, skittles and the
jeu de bal. which consists in knocking a tennis
ball from one player to another with the hand.
are the leading diversions. All classes are de-
votedly fond of music. Every commune has
its bard. or symphonic. usually two. one for
each political cercle- In addition to the con-
certs which they give. funerals are favorfte oc-
Oasions for the turning out of the local band
The army is well organized. but behind the
times, and. belonging to a neutral state. has
had small OF opportunity to give practical evidence
| of its bravery. But unless the nature of the
people has changed since the old days IL would
fight we'll The WallOons were fearless race
II is related that one of the Hesbaye chiefs once
| found woman weeping by fountain He took
her home to his castle TO supper. IN the morn
| ing he found that he had been harboring tina