Arizona republican., 1919-09-10
MERGER HERE
 TO THANK J. 5. ]. FUR A|D WHILE
 BELGIUM BLED
Aged Cardinal Who Defied Huns in Effort to Kill Belgian Spirit Falters As He steps From Vessel.
[RepubIIean A.p. Leased wIrel


 NEW YORK. Sept. 9.-Cardinal Mer cier, Belgium's gallant churchman, ar rived here today, bringing to America the thanks of the little country in whose tragic history he has played so heroic a part As the venerable pre- late stepped for the first time on Amer ican soil he was asked for a message to the American people.
 T can Oly say thank you he re- piled. his voice quivering with emotion. What else is there for me to say?"
 Cardinal Mercier speaks excellent English with soft, musical accent There is little in the outward form of the man who has played so striking part on the worlds stage to tell of the devoted priest who defied the German invader in the most insolent moment of his brutal triumph and sternly bade him heed the law of God if he cared nothing for the Jaws of man. His tall form bent under the tremendous bur den he bore for four terrible years, the features of his heavily lined face seem to reveal nothing but gentleness and kindliness. But the deep set brown eyes look out from under the strongly marked eyebrows with clear, calm and penetrating gaze which tells much of the unconquerable spirit of the man.
 Daylight was fading when the United States army transport Northern Pa cific steamed slowly to it's pier in Ho- boken. Long before it docked the watchers on the wharf had caught sight of the tall, black figure standing on the bridge gazing at the shores of the country which had meant so much to his native land in her hour of deepest need. A great cheer went up and the arf7fT fod hiesf fv-i- ho1 hat and bowed again and again in answer.
 Soldiers Show Respect
 As the transport was warped to its moorings the cardinal left his post on the bridge and moved down to the lower deck where hundreds of returning sol- diers were roaring their joy over their homecoming. The soldiers fell back quickly and left a space at the rail where the cardinal stood until the ship had docked.
 As soon as the gangway had been run up Mayor Hylan and the official welcoming committee, Archbishop Hayes and number of other church dignitaries, boarded the transport and officially welcomed the guest of the city and nation. The cardinal was then taken across the rlver and thence by automobile to Archbishop Hayes resi- dence.
 The trasnport had been welcomed to her dock by the band of the embarka- tion department playing Hail. Hail the Gangs All Here" and kindred tunes.
 As the cardinal stepped on to the dock however, there was a, pause and then the band swung into stirring strains of La Brabanconne, the na- tt1<> ro1 strains fell on the ears of the aged prelate. he faltered and took a step backward, apparently overwhelmed with surprise. He recovered himself and radiant smile crossed his face.
 Asserting that his only mission to this country was to convey to the Ieople Of America his admiration and leve, and to express on behalf of the people of Belgium, "both Catholic and Protestant their gratitude, Cardinal Mercier tonight spoke feelingly of the reception rendered him and his ioy at being on American soil for the first time.
 Delightful Voyage
 Tt is a remarkable ending of de- lightful voyage" he said, "a voyage !n company with many of your noble soldiers returning from a task well performed I could not even fancy the magnificent reception that has been rendered me.
 have followed the magnificent record of your army in France and Belgium and the men of your army magnified the love I have for you and supported the magnificent record of tho American who proceeded them.
 T feel that my arrival here is a momentous moment in my life and l only wish I could at least in a part. express the gratitude of Belgium for America aud it's people.
 T want to say, however, that my Ieople wans tc begin to work for them selves again. They want to take up their industi al life as soon as possi- ble Many are idle against their wills Ter t1e reasOn that our facilities for production were destroyed by the Ger mans in theh feaful scientific manner We want machinery we want raw ma- terials and we know that America win help us to get back to work again.
 The cardinal was asked by news Yapermen whom he received at the