The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1917-06-20
TRIBUTE
Head of Mission E
of Belgians I'D
Relief

Washington, June 18.
Belgium's war mission I'd
dent Wilson expressed AM
emn determination that on
table day of victory Belgium
restored to the place she has
won among the self-respecting
spected nations of the earth. They
mlssioners spent their first day
Washington paying official calls.
retary Lansing accompanied them ~
the White House, where Baron Mon
cheur, head of the mission, handed
to President Wilson a personal letter
from King Albert, and expressed in
short address Belgium's gratitude for
Americas aid.
"Slnce the first days of the greatest
tragedy which has ever befallen hu-
manity," said the Baron, Belgium
has contracted an immense debt of
gratitude to the generous American
nation. In magnificent outburst of
sympathy for the little country which
had chosen to delay a powerful and
pltlless enemy rather than to tarnish
its honor or forswear it's plighted
word the initiative of American citi-
zens gave to the unfortunate victims
of German cruelty in Belgium the
most splendid evidences of generosity.
Symbol of Strength.
but the chivalrous sentiments
which animate the people of the
United States went further than this
when President Wilson, giving an ad-
mirable example of disinterested pow
er, uttered the words we'll fitted to
make us tremble with hope and cause
us to fix our eyes confidently upon
the starry banner which has become
more than ever the symbol Of strength
placed at the service of the highest
and most pure principles.
Leaning upon the young, strong
and generous hand which the Amer
lean people hold out to her, Belgium,
once she is believed from the oppres-
sion of the enemy, will arise, and
throwing aside the odious weight of
foreign occupation will, courageously
and proudly, resume the paht of pro-
gress in the light of the sun of lib
erty."
Presidents Reply.
President Wilson, thanking Baron
Moncheur, and through him King AL
bert, said in reply.
"Your Excellency is good enough to
express the thanks of the Belgian peo-
pie for the participation of America
in feeding the people of your stricken
country. This work, in which so many
Americans have been enthusiastical-
ly engaged since the beginning of the
war, is one which has brought as
much benefit to them as to the inno-
cent civilian population whom it was
intended to aid.
"America engaged upon this work
rs having the only means, however,
inadequate of expressing our deep,
sincere admiration for the valiant ma
tion that had gone forth unhesitat-
ingly to meet the onslaught of ruth
less enemy rather than sacrifice her
honor and her self-respect.
"The American people have been
able to understand and glory in the
unhinching heroism of the Belgian
people and their sovereign and there
is not one American among us who
does not today welcome the opportun-
ity of expressing to you our heartfelt
sympathy and friendship and our SOL
cmn determination that on the inevit-
able day of victory Belgium shall be
restored to place she has SO richly
won among the self-respecting and
respected nations of the earth"
Tonight the visitors were enter
tanned at a formal White House dir
ner.