Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-12-20
ny BELGIAN PRIESTS SUFFER IN DUNGEONS;
MERCER DEMANDS THAT PERSECUTION CEASE

time these mental tortres and these privatons have
not been tried and have not been declared guilty but
merely awaiting trial; when one knows that the
accusations brought against them relate to acts which
the government doubt has strict right to prevent,
but which the less required by patriotism
which calls for respect, cannot help thinking that
your Exceency must be ignorant of the abuses which
are committed under cover Of your authority; and
cannot give up hoping that, when better in
formed, you will no longer tolerate such things.
1t is possible that Father Van Nylens fate will
be decided. But, if have intervened in the
Of two religious who had a special claim to my
protection, nevertheless I should like your Excel
lency extend your benevolence all prisoners not
yet found guilty
Please accept, sir, the assurance of my sincere
esteem.
(Signed) D. ]. CARDINAL MERCER,
Archbishop of Malines.
Hardly had the preceding letter been dispatched
when the Cardinal learned of the arrest of Fathers Dew
roye and Mertens s. j. He Immediately intevened on
their behalf to obtain favorable conditions for their in
ternment:
Archbishop's House. Malines,
November 7th, 1915.
To His Excellency Baron Kissing, Governor Cen
eral, Brussels.
Sir-At the risk of mportuning your Excelency
find myself obliged to supplement my letter of yes
terday. I have just had news of the condemnation
of the Rev. Father Van Nylen and also of the in
ternment of Father Devroye in dungeon at Malines
barracks. This excellent man, Father Devroye, is
friend and cousin of mine. 1t is painful for me to
think that he had to pass Saturday night last
straw in unhealthy cell such as described to your
EXcelency yesterday.
learn good authority that Father Mertens
of Brussels has been put into cell at Louvain under
the conditions.
Again appeal to your Excellency's humane and
just feelings.
Father Devroye enjoys very poor health: beg
of your Excellency to send doctor to him
possible to examine him. He could not bear up long
under the treatment he is undergoing.
Accept, your Excellency, the expression of my
sincere esteem.
(Sgned) D. J. CARDINAL MERCER,
Archbishop of Manes.
Two days after, Won Kissing sent the Cardinal from
his residence at Trois Fontanes the following telegram:
Trois Fontaines, November 9th, 1915.
Cardinal Mercier, MGlnes.
IN accordance 1Vith your En,inences ovieh I hare
given orders BY telephone for improvement to be
carried out IN the treatment of the imprisoned priests
referred to IN your letter.
The Governor General
(Signed) BARON Won Kissing,
Major General.
The Cardinal hastened to thank Won Kissing for
the kindness shown by him to the religious in prison
awaiting trial.:
Archbshops House, Manes.
November 10th, 1915.
To His Excellency Baron Won Bissng Governor Cen
eral, Brussels.
Sir--Your EXceency has been kind enough Ia
me by wire last night that religious imprisoned
under suspicion would for the future have better
accommodations. ! very grateful to you for this
assurance, and take the liberty to insist that all
suspected prisoners should be treated with the same
fairness.
This very evening the news has reached me that
civilian prisoner in poor health, M. Wasnair whom !
had the honor to recommend to your Excelency, has
been restored to his family