Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-11-25
Pent up Feelings of People Break Forth
and Entire City Joins in Frenzied
Welcome to King and Queen--Bel-
gian Capital Brilliantly Liehtedfor
First Time in Four Years--King
Makes Speech in Parliament
KINGS SPEECH

Brussels. Friday. NOV. 22.-(By The
Associated Prescribing Albert hav-
ing been received enthusla stically by
the inha bitants of his redeemed cap
from the throne in Pariament-his
first utterance in the capital since al
most the beginning of the war. Near
the throne stood General Pershing,
representing the American army;
General Plummel OF the British
army and other generals. The cham
Der was filed with members and in
the galleries was the diplomatic
corps, including Brand Whitlock, the
American minister. who returned on
Thursday to his post in Brusseis. one
of the most vital points i'll the Kings
address dealt with the question OF
suffrage for Baigium and in this con-
nection he said:
THE government proposes 10 the
chamber 10 lower. ey patriotic agree
ment the ancient barriers and to
reality on the basis of equal suf-
frage for all men of mature age re-
uuired for the exercise of civil
rights"
Referring TO the Flemish question
the King said;
The necessity of fruitful union de-
mandS the sincere collaboration of all
citizens of the same country without
distinction of origin or language. In
this domain Of language the strict
est equality and the most elaborate
justice will preside over the elabo-
ration of projects which the govern
ment will submit to the national rep
resentativeS.
"A reciprocal respect for the inter-
ests Of the F'lemings and the Wal
looms ought to be an integral princi-
pie Of the administration and should
give to each the certainty Of being
understood when he speaks his own
language and assure to him his fuii
intellectual development, especially
higher education.
In regard to the futur" status or
Belgium he declared: Belgium, VIC
tnrious and freed from the neutrality
that was imposed upon her by states
which have been shattered to their
foundation by wal. Will enjoy COM
plete Independence. Belgium, re-
established in all its rights. will rule
its dcstinies according to its aspira-
tions and in fun sovereignty.
In speaking Of the manner in which
the war had been brought to sue
ccssful conclusion. King Albert re-
ferred with gratitude TO the great eff
forts OF all the Entente countries and
of the United States. "A new and
stalwart ally which added the weight
of her effort so great and enthusiast
tic to that of the other nations and
caused our formidable adversary to
totter."
Near the close Of his address. the
King paid further glowing tribute
TO the Entente nations and made
stirling reference to America, which
he declared has saved Belgium from
famine.
The scene in the Parliament cham
Der was most impressive. Grouped
about the throne as the King read
were Cardinal MERCER. in his Grim
son TODCS. buESOIilISlti MAN, 'fti-
eral Leman. the defender of LieGc
and Prince Albert of Great Britain.
Queen Elizabeth with the Prince and
Princess had preceded the King to the
throne. As King Albert entered he
passed in front of CARDINAL MERCER,
Burgomaster Max and General lie
man. and shook each-nf them warmly
by the hand.
General Pershing took no part in
the parade or other ceremonies OF the
day, having entered the city quietly
as a spectator.
After the ceremonies in the cham
Der the King held an official reccp-
ton to the diplomats and city officials
at the City hall. Here Minister Whit
lock had touching meeting with
Burgomaster Max whom he had not
seen since his arrest and deportation
to Germany. The Burgomaster was
quite overcome with emotion.