The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-11-25
Belgians Once More Free of / Hun Yoke See Gods Jus tice in the Triumph
 of Right
BERLIN GOVERNMENT CAMOUFLAGES AUTOC- RACY, SAYS MERGER
Blood of Freedoms. Soldiers Not Shed in Vain. Says Burgomaster Max, Who Sees New Era Dawn
 ing Upon. the World

Brussels, Saturday, November 23. (By the Associated Press)-Cardinal Mercier and Burgomaster Max, two of the most prominent figures of the war in Belgium, excepting King Albert, re- ceived the Associated Press correspond ent today. Both men are as different physically and mentally as the ideas, ideals and opinions they represent. lBurgomaster Max being one of the lead CTS of the liberal party, while Cardinal Mercier Is the most prominent Catholic in Belgium
 You have saved us." said the Cardi- nal when asked whatshe thought about Americas participation in the war. You have saved the world" Cardinal Mercier is tall and dignified. He was garbed in a purple soutane. He chatted with the correspondent for more than half an hour
 NEVER LOST HOPE
 T never despaired, I never lost hope although at times my heart was very full, the cardinal said, referring to an incident in December, 1914, when Baron Von Bissing, military governor of Belgium, virtually made him pris- oner in his episcopal palace.
 T received telegram then from the Associated Press and have never been
  it now: Yes. Bissing treated me as a prisoner for four days"
 Concerning the governors of Belgium during the war, Cardinal Mercier said that F'alkenhausen was more cruel and inhuman than Bissing and more per fidious. 4nsiduous and dangefous
 There was not much to choose be- tween them, however" he said
 TRIUMPH OF JUSTICE
 Referring to his quite recent birth day anniversary the correspondent com plimented the cardinal upon his robust appearance and health. The cardinal replied:
 Tt is true that I am ST, but rather It Is my list: because the last fo UT years seemed like eight to me" M
 Referring to the change in the gov |ernment of Germany, Cardinal Mercier said: T am no politician. However, the changes there seem too sudden to be lasting. The new governfflenf aps pears to be like camouflage to the autoeracy and the changes seem to have been made to order according to pre- arranged schedule It Is Gods justice and the public conscience is satisfied The triumph Of Justice is complete; the barbarian device that might is right has received it's death blow; the dream of pan-German examination has been shattered and evaporated like noxious gas in the wind and thanks to Gods justice right has rriumphed and the Belgians once more are free and independent. We have won the war"
 WILSON BOILED TREACHERY
 On receiving confirmation of the ru- nor that President Wilson planned to visit Europe, Cardinal Mercier said that ne was a great admirer of the Presi- dent, adding. Your President is a great statesman, one of the greatest statesmen of all times The Germans dark plotting and treacherous diplom- acy were speedily foiled by President Wilson's magnifcently honest and im- placably just messages"
 BurGomaster Max was more reticent and refused to speak concerning his treatmeM by the Germans, refusing even to mention the word "Germany." T don't wish to pose as a martyr" he said T wish to forget the past and think of the ruture.-'
 THANKS AMERICA
 The burgomastsr asked the Assocf- ated Press correspondent to convey his thanks to America and Americans for the tributes of sympathy and offers of aid from the United States. He said:
 My country needed your help sore ly during the war and we need your assistance again now in work of re- construction. Your admirable system of finances and business will find a great field of endeavor in Belgium"
 Burgomastcr Max Is already installed in the city hall and has resumed the duties of his office The little couch where he slept during the dark days of August and September, 1914, is still in a corner of his office. The burgomas- ter's appearance snows traces of the sufferings. hardships ana the privations he endured during his captivity, but his indomitable spirit Is unbroken. He is full of energy and radiates happiness Referring to the more than four years of war. he said:
 That has been a long time, but we have not suffered in vain. This mag nificent result is grear compensation and reward for all our sufferings.
 "A new era is dawning upon the world; an era of freedom. liberty and democracy. Never again shall the DOW CTS of autocracy precipitate the world in another such horrible conflict. The blood of our soldiers was not shed in vain. We have won and liberty has triumphed."