The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-07-05
FLAG WILL NOT
BE WITHDRAWN
until VICTORY
Bishop Ireland Assures
Belgians Their Nation
Will be Succored

st. Paul, July 5.-Archbishop Ire
land moved members of the Belgian
war commission to tears and to a
spontaneous demonstration of affec-
ton at the Fourth of July celebra-
\ ton here Tuesday with his profound
assurance that the flag of the Uni
TED states would not be withdrawn
from the battlefields OF Europe I'M
I'll the suffering people of Belgium
had been restored to their homes.
IF need be the 100, 100000 people
OF the United States are ready too
to raise down their lives for the
cause of humanity and the restora-
ton OF the rights of these devastated
people, said the prelate.
General Leclercq broke down in
undertaking response to the
church dignitary and unable to ex-
press himself in words, seized him
in an embrace, kissing him warmly.
The general war followed by the
Baron Moncheuri chief of the mis-
sion; Major Osterrieth and Count
D'Ursel, all of whom were in tears
and all of whom in turn embraced
and kissed the archbishop.
The several thousand spectators.
similarly affected by the speech
turned their heads away and for a
time the meeting was halted while
the Belgian dignitaries expressed
their gratitude to the churchman.
You may not fully understand
what this means to u.s." said General
Leclercq when he had recovered
himself. but our people will know
and will carry this message to them.
Hearts Go Out.
Our hearts go out to Belgium, to
King Albert. to Cardinal Mercier
and the nnhIn hax
said the archbishop. THE decision
rested with the king when the kais-
er's forces demanded passage
throughsthat country and in spite of
the awful odds. the Belgian army
faced the invaders and held them
until help came.
Although the Belgian flag be-
speaks one of the most heroic ma
tons in history of the world. l
promise you that the Star Spangled
Banner means victory. that the Star
Spangled Banner has never known
defeat and will not know it in this
war.
The boys who have gone across
the water to fight the war that your
nation has carried on for three years
will see the flag dipped in blood but
will never return with it marred in
defeat.
Belgium is a nation that has held
to its ideals. 1t is thrice welcome
in America. Other missions from
other countries have come and they
have been welcome, but Belgium is
especially welcome because America
feels that h is indebted to them for
what has been done for this coun-
try and all humanity in that first
stand against the enemy.
Before the Star SpanRled Banner
will down in defeat. every one Of the
hundred million people in this coun-
try will go with 1t and also all of
the nations vast resources.
You have seen this terrible suf-
fering in your country, and have
seen your own people deported into
slavery in an enemy's land, but be-
fore the Star Spangled Banner is re-
turned to this country you will see
all these things right and your land
returned to it's own" ....
Despite the terrible suffering of
our people not one Belgian soldier
nor one Belgian man or woman has
ever regretted the decision made by
our king" said eneral Leclercq when
he responded toA the speech of the
Baron Moncheur expressed to the
gratitude of King Albert and the
Belgian people for the generous aid
they had given in relieving hunger
and want in Belgium.
L. w. Hill, president of the Great
railroad, did not ride with
the Belgian commissioners in the |
parade, although he had intended to,
and was most active in preparing |
for 1t.