The Wilson times. [volume] (Wilson, N.C.) 1896-19??, 1918-11-26
ALBERT RECEIVED
ENTHUSIASTICALLY
The Belgian Capital Thrilled
With Happiness at Return
of Emperor and
DEPARTURE OF THE HUN

Brussels, Friday, Nov. 22.-King
Albert having been received enthu-
siastically by the inhabitants of his
redeemed capital today made an i'm
portant speech from the throne in
parliament-his first utterance in the
| capital since almost the beginning of
the war. Near the throne stood
General Pershing, representing the
American army; General Plumer of
the British navy, and other generals.
The chamber was filled with mem
bers, and in the galleries the diplo-
matt ccorps, including Brand Whit
lock, the American Minister who re-
turned Thursday to his post in
Brussels.
One of the most vital points in the
Kings address dealt with the ques-
tion 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 consultation Of the nation
a reality on the basis of equal suf-
frage for all men Of the mature age
required for the exercise of civil
rights" .:
This statement aroused storm Of
applause from all of the members.
Referring to the Flemish question
King Albert said:
1.-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
justice will preside over the elabora-
ton Of projects which the govern
ment will submit to the National rep
resentatives. = A reciprocal re-
spect for the interests of the Flem-
ings and the Walloons ought to be
an integral principle of the admins
tration and should give to each the
certainty of being understood when
he speaks of his own language and
assure to him his full intellectual de-
velopment, especially higher educa-
tion." N..
In regard to the future status of
Belgium, he declared:
belgium, victorious and freed
from the neutrality that was i'm
posed upon her by states which
have been shattered to their founda-
tion by war, will enjoy complete in
| dependence. =
belgium, re-established in all its
rights, will rule its destinies ac-
cording to- its aspirations and in full
sovereignty"
! In speaking of the manner in
which the war had been brought to
a successful conclusion King Albert
referred with gratitude to the great
efforts of all the entente countries
and of the United States States "a
new and stalwart ally which added
the weight of her effort, so great
and enthusiastic, to that of the other
nations and caused our formidable
adversary to to totter."
Near the close of his address the
King paid further glowing tribute
to the entente nations and made a
striking reference to America, which
he declared had saved Belgium from
famine.
The scene In the Parliament
chamber was most impressive.
Grouped about the throne as the
King entered were Cardinal Mercier
in his crimson robes, Burkomaster
Max. General Leman, the defender
of Liege, and Prince Albert Of Great
Britain. Queen Elizabeth with the
princess and princes had preceded
the King to the throne.
1t is midnight Of the greatest day
in the history of Brussels--the day
of the triumphal return of the royal
family to their capital after four
years Of gallant fighting against the
IGerman invader--and the city is still
celebrating the Homecoming Of its
King and Queen.
Brussels tonight was absolutely
frenzied with happiness. All the
pent-up emotions Of its people which
had been held in leash thorugh
these weary years by the iron hand Of
bondage, broke loose inl Almighty vol
tcontiaasd n1is Dssss, y7s