The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-11-27
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HAS ],
SAVED The CIVILIZED WORLD
Cardinal Mercier Expresses Grateful Apprecia-
ton for Americas Service.
Distinguished Belgian Peate Has Little Faith the Present
German Makeshift Government-Burgomaster of
Brussels Also Talks.

Brussels, Saturday, Nov. 23.-(By
i the Associated Press. Mer-
cier and Burgomaster Max, two OF the
most prominent figures Of the war IN
Belgium excepting King Albert, re-
ceived the Associated Press corre-
spondent today. Both men are as diff
ferent physically and mentally as the
ideas ideals and opinions they repre-
sent Burgomaster Max being one OF
the leaders Of the Liberal party, While
Cardinal Mercier is the most prom
inent Catholic in Belgium.
You have saved u.s." said the Car
dinal when asked what he thought
OF Americas participation in the war.
You have saved the world"
Cardinal Mercier is tall and digni-
fed. He was garbed in a purple SOU
tace. He chatted with the correspond
ent for more than half an hour.
II never despaired, I never lost
hope. although at times my heart was
very full" the Cardinal said referring
10 an incident in December, 1914
when Baron Won Bissing, military gov
ernor Of Belgium, virtually made MN
:, prisoner in his episcopal palace.
received a teegran then from the
Associated Press and have never been
able to answer it. I wish to reply TO
it now.
Eyes, Bissing treated me as pris-
oner for four days.
Concerning the governors Of Bel
giu1n during the war, Cardinal Mer-
,,ier said that Falkenhausen was more
cruel than Kissing and more perfidi-
Gus, insidious and dangerous.
There was not much to chose be-
tween them, however" he said.
Referring to his quite recent birth
day anniversary the correspondent
conplimented the Cardinal upon nj:
robust appearance and health. The
Cardinal replied:
'It is true that am 81, but rather
it is my list, because the last tour
years seemed like eight to me-"
Referring to the change in the gov
ernment Of Germany. Cardinal Mer'
cier said:
Il am no politician. However, the
changes there seem too sudden to be
lasting The new government ap
pears to be like a camouflage to tbs
autocracy and the changes seem tt
have been made to order according
to prearranged schedule. 1t is COD:
justice and the public conscience l:
satisfied. The triumph of justice Is
complete; the barbarian device tha'
might is right has received its deatf
blow; the dream of pan-German dom
;nation has been shattered and evap-
grated like noxious gas in the wlnc
and, thanks to Gods justice, right has
triumphed and the Belgians once more
are free and independent. We have
won the war
On receiving confirmation of the
rumor that President Wilson planned
20 visit Europe, Cardinal Mercier said
that he was q great admirer of the
president, adding:
Your president is a great states
man, one of the greatest statesmen O.
all times. The Germans dark plot
ting and treacherous diplomacy were
completely foiled by President Will
sons magnif1cently honest and i'm
| o!acably just messages"
Burgomaster Max was more reticent
and refused to speak concerning his
treatment by the Germans, refusing
even to mention the word Ger
many 81 don't wish to pose as a
martyr" he said. Il wish to forget
the past and think of the future
The Burgomaster asked the Asso-
ciated Press correspondent to convey
his thanks to America and Americans
for the tributes of sympathy and Of
fers of said 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
Burgomaster Max is already install
ed 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 conspicuous in a corner Of his
office The Burgomaster's appear
ance shows traces Of the sufferings
hardships and the privations he en-
dured during his captivity, but his
;ndomitable spirit is unbroken. He is
full Of energy and radiates happi-
ness.
Referring to the more than fou:
years Of war, he said:
That has been q long time, but
we have not suffered in vain. This
magnificent result is "a great compen
Gation and reward for all our suffer