New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-04-29
ROOSEVELT IN BELGIUM
Crowds Enthusiastically Cheer
the Ex-President.
WARMLY PRAISES BELGIAnS
King Albert Gives a Court Din
ner in Honor of Colonel and
Mrs. Roosevelt.

Mrs. Roosevelt.
Brussels. April 2s.-Ex-President Roose
welt met King Albert Of Belgium to-day md
they exchanged cordial greetings. larer
driving together from the Brussels exposi-
ton to Laaken Palace, and spending al
hour in the gardens.
The Belgian people gave Colonel and Mrs
Roosevelt and their children a warm wei
come on their arrival here from Paris at
noon. After luncheon at the American En-
bassy and a reception for the American
colony Colonel Roosevelt visited the expo
sition. and his appearance there was marked
by double demonstration for himself and
the King. His passage down the broad ave
nue. Louise. where there was a liberal dis
play of American flags, was accompanied
by continual cheers.
The Sale des Fetes. where the ex-Presi-
dent spoke was packed TO the doors. and
several thousand outside were unable TO
gain admission. While Colonel Roosevelt
waited in the reception room I'm the rear of
the stage. the young King arrived by the
side entrance. He was attired in the IA
tigue uniform of a colonel of the Guards.
the crack Belgian regiment He was ac-
companied by a single aid.
The King strobe forward and no introduce
tons were necessary. as they had met IN
America when the King was Crown Prince.
After a warm handshake they talked for
several minutes in low tones the Kings tall
figure towering head and shoulders above
the ex-President He told Mr. Roosevelt
how glad he was 10 welcome him TO Bel
GUM. While they talked the others pres
ent fell back.
King Albert then with a profound bow
retired and entered the hail. taking his
place on a gilded red cushioned chair i'm
medtately below the front Of the stage The
crowd applauded Justify as the King en-
tered, but the Outburst was mild compared
with the roar which greeted Mr. Roosevelt
a moment later.
NJ Wharf. president Of the exposition. at
tempted 10 introduce the colonel. hut for
several minutes he could not be heard above
the din. He paid a fattering tribute 20
Mr. Roosevelt, the King several times Join
ing in the applause. When he told Of the
former Presidents part in calling the sec
ond Hague peace conference. and when he
referred to him as Americas most repre-
sentative citizen" the audience cheercd
heartily.
Mr.. Roosevelt in reply spoke for abou.
twenty minutes. beginning with few wor IS
OF thanks
1t has always seemed 70 me-" he said.
that the Belgian people offers one Of IN :
greatest examples of hope presented by any
people Of the world at the end OF the nine
teenth century. There has been much talk
aoout decadence OF race. but Belgium.
proves mat a great past is not Incompatible
with great present and a great future.
=
centres of the Middle Ages Now YOU are
rlValling and surprising the work of your
ancestors"
Mr.. Roosevelt then discussed the nrob-
leins OF citizenship covering much the same
ground as IN his SorbOnne lecture he
insisted upon the necessity Of the develop
ment of the ordinary qualities. honesty
and morality and the desire 70 work.
speaking OF leadership. he asserted that A
great genius might become a great enemy
OF the people. Woe 70 the country" he
exclaimed. which puts its trust in a
genius. military or other type. rather than
in the high average character Of the ordi-
nary citizen"
He concluded amid intense enthusiasm
with tribute 10 the monarch seated he
fore him: Il congratulate you that at the
outset of a new reign. which I am sure
will be fraughJ with ell possible benefits.
there should come as A herald. an aug,ry
Of triumph in the future, this great demon
stration Of the extraordinary activities and
abilities OF the Belgian people"
Mr.. Roosevelt did not mention the'Congo
either directly or indirectly On leaving
the exposition he drove with the King 70
Laaken palace. The King had particularly
insisted upon an arrangement whereby he
could drive alone with his American guest.
/ They were recognized and cheered all
along the route, distance Of about seven
miles.
a dinner was given this evening by the
King. but as the court is still i'm semi
mourning the women wore black gowns.
The King and the Queen sat together with
Mr.. Roosevelt at the Queens left and Mrs.
Roosevelt at the Kings right Miss Ethel
Roosevelt. who was the only woman pres
ent not wearing black. was gowned in
white satin. with silver trimmings. During
and after the dinner the King and the
Queen devoted almost their entire atten
ton TO their American guests.
More than two thousand persons attended
the reception 20 Mr.. Roosevelt at the Hotel
de VILE. which is the most interesting edi-
fee in Brussels. The square was brilliantly
Illuminated, and when the ex-President
arrived Il procession, headed by Burso-
mater Max. with Mrs Roosevelt on his
arm. was formed. The party then passed
through the beautifully decorated salons.
being saluted on all sides.
Mr.. Roosevelt and his family will leave