The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-10-29
CONGRESS PAUSES
TO WELCOME KING.
OF THE bELG|ANS
Soldier-Ruler Gives U. S,
Army Credit for Assuring
Victory and Pays HON.
age to Fallen
BY Asseciates Press


Washington October 2S.-Both
Houses of Congress paused in their
work today to greet the King of the
Belgians. his consort and their son.
1t was the first visit of king to
the capital and the law makers Of
the nation gave a cordial welcome to
the democratic soldierruler of Eu-
ropes pluckiest little state.
King ALBEIT is not given to long
speeches. His addresses. first in tbs
Senate and then in the House, male
scarcely 500 words, but in them he
gave the American army credit for as
surfing victory in the war, paid homage
to the fallen and extended his sym
pa thy to the wounded. He expressed
his admiration for the United States,
acknowledging the debt of the makers
of Belgium's constitution to those who
framed that of TINS country, predicted
that the ties binding the two nations
never would be broken and offered
thanks to ar the Americans who aided
his people in the war.
LITTLE CEREMONY
There was little ceremonial in The
visit to Congress. but there was no
mistakipg the warmth of the greeting
given the royal Belgians and the
SoiiieF thcSS VI tHc iNAhS ~ hAS ee-
dresses was evident. The galleries
were crowded. although admission was
only by card, and nearly all the sena-
tors were in their seats when the COM
ing of his majesty was announced
Justices of the supreme court, senators
and spectators rose and applauced
vigorously as the tall, erect figure Of
the King strobe down the aisle beside
Senator Lodge.
Staid members of the upper house
forgot their dignity in their admira-
ton for the woman who had followed
her husband through. the trenches in
Belgium.
The King was escorted to a seat DC
side Senator Cummins, who was pre-
siding as president pro tempore, and
who greeted him with high praise for
his moral courage and his gallantry
on the field
AMBASSADORS PRESENT
Prince Leopold was seated on his
fathers rightS Grouped about them.
carrying the swords they wear only
on ceremonial occasions. were Lieut.
Gen. Baron Jacques. one of Belgium S
greatest military leaders: Colonel Til
kens. aide to his majesty. and Nal
Count D'Oultremont adjutant of the
court With them Were Mai. Gen. Will
liam NJ. Wright and Rear Admiral An
ureW L Long. the KING American
aides: Ambassador Brand Whitlock aad
Baror DeCartier de Marchienne, the
Belgian ambassador
Albert was interrupted more than
once by applause during his brief adj
dress and there was another demon
stration of approval when he had fin
ished Later he and his son met the
senators individually
The scene in the House was a repe-
tition of that in the Senate. On The
floor were the children of many Of
the members and their cheers were as
enthusiastic as those Of their fathers.
The King was sighted before his COM
! ing had been heralded and the House
! and galleries rose 10 greet him.
AWARDED d. S. C.
! King Albert was the central figure
later in the day Yin ceremony more
picturesque if less important than his
visit to the capitol. 1t was enacted in
!, the drawing room of the home of Brock
| inridge Long, where he is guest, when
Secretary of War Baker pinned upon his
breast by direction of President Wilson
the American Distinguished Service
medal.
General Pershing, commander of Amer
ica's forces in the field, was there to
greet the leader of Belgium 5 armies
With him were General March. General
Jacques. his broad chest covered with
| the ribbons denoting decorations from
many countries, General Wright, Ad-
lmiral Long and Prince Leopold. Albert
wore no decoration upon his lieutenant
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