Norwich bulletin., 1919-09-10

New York. Sept 9.-CardInal Mer- cier. Belgium's gallant churchman, ar rived here today, bringing to America inc thanks of the little country Tn whose tragic history he has played so heroic a part. As the venerable pre- late stepped for the first time on American soil he was asked for mes sage to the American people.
 T can only say Thank you,'" he re- piled. his voice quivering with emotion. What else is there for me to say?"
 Cardinal Nercier speaks excellent English. with a soft. musical accent There Is little in the outward form of he man who has played so striking a part on the worlds stage to tell or 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 laws of men. Thin, almost to the point of cancellation, his -ail form bent under the tremendous burden he bore for four terrible years. the features of his heavily lined face seem to reveal nothing but gentieness ard Eindliness- But the deep-set brown eyes look out from under the strongly marked eyebrows with a clear, calm and penetra ting gaze which tell much of the unconQuerable spirit of the man
 Daylight was fading when the Unit ed States army transport Northern Pacific steamed slowly 10 it's pier in Hoboken. Long before it docked the
 
 sI=ht of the tall. black figure standing on the bridge gazing eagerly a the ~rcreS Of the country which had meant 90 much 10 his native land in her hour of deepest need. 4 great cheer went up and the cardinal dofed his tri- eornered beaver hat and bowed again and again in answer
 As the transport was warped to it's rnoorings the cardinal left his post on rhe bridge and moved down to the lower deck. where hundreds of return ing soldiers were roaring their joy over their homecoming. The soldiers fell back quickly and left space at the rail where the cardinal stood until the ship had docked-
 As soon as the Eangway had been run up. Mayor Hylan and the official welcoming committee. Archbishop Hayes and a number of other church disuicsries. who had accompa the transport up the bay on the police boat Patrol boarded her and officially well romsd the guest Of the city and ma ton The cardinal was then escorted " hich he was taken across the river nd thence by automobile to Arch bishop Hayes residence.
 The transport had been welcomed to her dock by the band Of the embarka rion department playing Hail. Hail. the Gangs All Here" and kindred tunes which were Dresuma biy better tnoWn to the returning doughboys stlaI TO lHe famous prince Of the SAurch-
 AS the cardinal stepped on to the f-ck- however. there was a pause and then the band swung into the stirring $ raius Of La Bra banconne." the mag % nceut national anthem of Belgium AS the first strains fell on the ears of the aged prelate he faltered and took 2 step backward. apparently over whelmed with surprise He recovered himself and a radiant smile crossed his face With a sweeping bow he 1 drew himself up to his full imposing height and remained standing thus urtI the playing had finished
 Before he could reach the Patrol the | uews3a per ohotoEra phers had done their worst TO him and very patiently and grsciously the cardinal submitted | Co the ordeal But the whole warm tn | and manner Of his welcome seemed a i! complete surprise to him On his way cross the Hudson he turned to Arch | bishop Hayes and expressed his aston | ishmeut that his arrival in America | should be heralded in such a manner. | On" commented the archbishop. l all America loves Cardinal Mercier. | You EiIl find that out" Cardinal Mercier viii go to Ba1ti-i ' more tomorrow to visit Cardinal Ciib- ] hons. with whom he rill stay some | days Afterward he will return to 1 Nar York and later visit Albany and | Boston \ western tour ending on i Nov will bring his American visit to | an end