Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-07-22
NOTED MINISTER
PRAISES MOLINE
Belgian Representative to United
states Lauds Local War Efforts
at Celebration.

Today l find the fulfillment of
long cherished hope, for at last 1
hnd myself in your fair city of Mo-
line, of which have heard so much.
which has done so much for the
Belgians and which is doing so
much to win the war" declared
Baron l.. De Cartier, Belgian minis
ter 10 the United States~- at the In
dependence day celebration held
yesterday afternoon at Central
park.
Moline reminds me of some
parts of Belgium as they were be-
lore the war, thriving, peaceful
towns that resounded with the hum
of industry, and where the citizens
lived in peace and mutual esteem
with their neighbors," he continued.
This combination of American and
Belgian blood seems to be a happy
mixture and produces a splendid
spirit. Indeed, America and Bel
GUM have been animated bv the
same ideals for centuries. For gen.
erations America and Belgium have
fought separately for liberty, and
now we are fighting side by side in
that same cause, and we will con-
tinue to fight until victory is achiev-
ed and until we can again celebrate
our national fete day in our own
free country. On that day, when we
renew our vows to God, to our king,
and to liberty, we shall not forget
America.
There's a special meaning to be
found in nItr
think no other day would have been
better, for there is none more in
spring. My friends, this is the day
which commentaries the rebirth of
freedom in Belgium; and now, re-
Numbering the sanctity of the cause
for which we are all giving the best
of ourselves, l call on you to look
forward to the dawn that will bring
us a glorious victory"
Father John De Willie of Chicago,
who has had so much to do with
bringing to this country those who
have been rendered homeless in
Belgium by the numbering Hun,
was another speaker who greatly
inspired the large audience, and as
he rose to talk several little ones
who owe to him their present hapt
by homes in Moline stepped to the
bouquet of American beauties. No
less than fifty persons, it is said,
were in the audience who had been
brought to America through the eff
forts of Father De Vile. 1BOth of
these speakers used the English
language
DR.. Cyrille Vermeren of Chicago
spoke in the Belgian language, the
keynote of his address being pa
triotism Felix ]. Streyckmans,
president of the International Bel
gian-American alliance, was unable
to come to Moline on account of
physical breakdown.
Central park was packed with
people of Belgian descent and the
celebration yesterday to mark the
sSth anniversary of their freedom
from the rule of Holland was with
out a doubt one of the greatest ever
staged by people of Belgian descent
in any country other than Belgium.
In the morning. when Father De
Vile delivered the sermon at high
mass at Sacred Heart church, the
building was filled to capacity.
Hundreds, too. participated in the
parade. which went through the
bluff district.
The appearance in Moline Of the
high Belgian officials was great
mark of distin ction alone and every
possible honor was accorded them.
Proceeds of the dayit is believed will
amount to $500 and the entire sum
will be turned over to the fund for
disabled Belgian soldiers.