Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-11-25
BELGTANS ARRIVE,
PRATSTNG AMERICA
FOR GIVING FOOD
Refugees Express Their Ma
tons Gratitude on Land
ing From the Haverford
With Tales of Hardships.

with tales Of misery. ruin and desoa-
ton in their native land several Belgian
refugees, among the first to come to
America, arrived here on the liner Hav-
erford today.
Carrying few precious belongings that
had survived the "deluge," they left the
chip with hope in their eyes. "Thls in
deed is the land OF promise" said Julien
Emile steyaert. OF Moorselle. Belgium,
who was forced TO flee for his life and
leave his bride of few weeks.
In broken English he told a pathetic
tale. His mother accompanied him. and
she smiled when asked about tho part
America is taking I'm relieving the grief
stricken Belgans.
This is wonderful country" Stey-
aert said Hs he led his mother to a seat on
one of the trunks. what you noble peo-
pie are doing in relieving our suffering
mothers, brothers and sisters will come
back to you In the form of blessing as
sure as there is God I'm Heaven.
God knows we need II. / have never
been here before, but land where peo-
pie feel for others as you do here cannot
help but be great. The fair name of
America is one of the few shining lights
in Belgium these days The people there
Even those in battle have time to think
of others. ! know. for my three brothers
are In the ranks. | know also that IL is
a great consolation for the brave sol
dlers to think that, at least. their moth
ers, sisters wives and babies will not
starve.
REACHED LONDON IN RAGS.
"I left Belgium on November O. We
left in such hurry that 1 was in rags
by the time I reached London. had
only one suit, but that is only trife
when food for a family is considered.
should not even mention clothes for my
self when I think what my mother and
wife had to go through.
"I am only poor man and would be
fighting myself, but my eyes are very
bad 1 drew lucky pass in the con-
scription. and listened to the tears of
my mother I hope L did right.
Our home was, of course, broken up.
The Germans had not reached Moorselle
by the time we left, but they were COM
ing and the people ran from them ms
though escaping a plague My wife man.
aged to reach London and she is fully
capable to earn a living, so, after all,
have much to be thankful for. l was
formerly travelling silk salesman and
I hope to find work here, Sooner or later
l shall send for my wife. My mother
and are on our way to Marshall, Min
nesota."
Tho Haverford brought SO cabin pas.
sengers, 149 steerage passengers and a
light cargo. Leaving Liverpool on No
vember IL, the ship ran into a fierce gale
that lasted nearly five days. AS one OF
the Belgians said: "As We neared your
shores, the weather was beautiful, the
as a good omen The sun seldom shines
through the battle clouds in Belgium
these days
GERMAN PRAISES BRITISH.
Among the passengers on board was
to Cuthbert, Ga. Mrs. Bleeck is a South
ern woman. and little four-year-old Dora
Bleeck was the belle of the ship, Doctor
Bleeck was practically a prisoner in
London and said that he was mighty
glad to reach America.
II want TO impress upon YOU" he said,
that the English were more than cour-
teous to me. OF course, had very little
personal liberty, l had to stay within a
fiye-mile radius OF my house and submit
my fingers for prints just like a criminal,
but in all, I have no complaint to make.
The English are putting up good fight,
and there are 100000 men drilling there
now"
The Rev. Dr. c. r. Brookins was the
only Philadelphian on board. He will
visit Dr. James Robbins. The Rev.
Thomas Lane, OF Cork, Ireland, is on
his way to New Zealand, This is his
first trip to America. Other passengers
included Mrs Sarah Humphreys OF Mer-
chantviIle, and s. Ohashi, s. Nakakita
and s. Tokavka, OF Toxic Japan. They
would not discuss the war.