New-York tribune., 1918-11-25
Albert, From His Brussels
Throne, Grants Com
plete Suffrage
Equal Rights Are
Promised All Races
Pershing Attends Brilliant
Ceremonies and Capital
Is Wild With Joy

eiated Press King Albert, having
been received enthusiastically by the
inhabitants of his redeemed capital,
to-day made an important speech from
the throne in Parliament. Near the
throne stood General Pershing, repre-
senting the American army, and other
generals. The chamber was filled with
members and in the galleries was the
diplomatic corps, including Brand
Whitlock, the American Minister.
One of the most vital points in the
Kings address dealt with the question
Of suffrage for Belgium, and in this
connection he said
The government proposes to the
chambers to lower, by patriotic agree
ment, the ancient barriers and to make
the constitution of The nation real
ity on the basis of equal suffrage for
all men of the mature age required for
the exercise of civil rights"
Equal Rights for All
This statement aroused storm of
applause from all of the members. Re-
terring to the Flemish question, King
Albert said:
THE necessity of fruitful union
demands the sincere collaboration of
all citizens of the same country with
out distinction of origin or language.
In this domain of language, the strict
est equality and the most absolute JUS
tice will preside over the elaboration
Of projects which the government will
submit to the national representatives.
"a reciprocal respect for the inter
ests of the Flemings and the Walloons
ought to be an integral principle of the
administration and should give to each
the certainty of being understood
when he speaks his own language and
assure 10 him his full intellectual de-
velopment. especially higher educa-
ton
Pledges Full Sovereignty
lnregard to the future status of Bel
GUM, he declared:
Belgium, victorious and freed from
The neutrality that was imposed upon
ser by states which have been shat
tered to their foundation by war, will
enjoy complete independence
Belgium, reestahlished in all it's
rights, will rule it's destines according
TO its Inspirations and in full sover-
eighty"
In speaking of the manner in which
the war had been brought to a success
ful conclusion, King Albert referred
with gratitude to the great efforts OF
all the Entente countries and of the
United States, "a new and stalwart
ally, which added the weight of her eff
fort, so great and enthusiastic, to that
Of the other nations and caused ou1
formidable adversary to totter'
Pays Tribute to America
Near the close of his address the
King paid further glowing tribute to
tht Entente nations and made strik,
ing reference to America, which, he
declared, had saved Belgium from
famine.
The scene in the Parliament cham
Der was most impressive. Grouped
about the throne as the King entered
were Cardinal Mercier, in his crimson
robes, Burgomaster Max, General Le-
man, the defender of Liege, and Prince
Albert of Great Britain.
Queen Elizabeth, with the princes
and princess. had preceded the King tc
the throne. AS King Albert entered
he passed in front of Cardinal Mercier
Burgomaster Max and General Lemar
and shook each of 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 q
Spectator.
After the ceremonies in the chamber
the King held an official reception tc
'he diplomats and city officials in the
Vlty Hail. Here Minister Whitlock hac
touching meeting with Burgomastel
max, whom he had not seen since his
arrest and deportation to Germany
The Burgomaster was quite overcom.
with emotion.
Brussels tonight was absolutely
lrenzied with happiness. All the pent
up emotions of it's people, which hat
been held in leash through these wear,
years by the iron hand of bondage
0roke loose in as mighty volume with
'he advent of their King and Queen, ant
me city, which in years gone by ha.
oeen known as one of the gayest cap
@ls In Europe, has been swept with
such a wave of patriotic joyousness a.
u never experienced before.
Germans Planned