Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1919-09-22

the milk of human kindness, must
have beaten in unison with the audi
|ence of Americans who stand for what
The stands for-Liherty, Justice, Truth
land Righteousness.
Words failed him for a moment, but
lonly for a moment, when he spoke with
THAT deep feeling that characterized his
entire address. The Cardinal who has
la most kindly face. smiled upon his
audience. and the wonder OF il all was
THAT a man who for four years OF hor-
rible war in which he and his country
men had suffered anguish. could smile.
In his broken, but well expressed
English, he told how he had enjoyed
America during his present visit, and
since coming to Maryland how kindly
he had felt toward the Governor OF
this State, but since he had heard the
Governors voice and had shaken his
hand. Cardinal MERCER said he was
more than ever impressed with Mary
lands chief executive. in whom His
Eminence expressed great faith, and
is assured of his sympathy, and that
resents. Since coming TO America the
Cardinal said he had a greater ad-
miration and respect for this country
than ever. although he had always had
great admiration for America that had
done so much for the world, and es-
pecially on land and sea during the
world war.
He told of Belgium that had stood
so much in her fight for liberty and
justice. He would take home with
him to his people, he said. the fact that
whatever the personal creed of the
American people may be, yet irrespec-
tive of this. they agree in the same es-
reem and sympathy for Belgium. He
said he. admired the frankness of the
American people. and he opened his
heart to them when he outlined the
four years struggle Of the Belgians,
who during all their sorrow and trials
never yielded to the Germans. although
the latter attempted time and again
to bargain with his countrymen, and
offered them freedom in exchange for
their loyalty to their country.
But. said Cardinal Mercier, "Our
people would accept no bargain, No;
never Though Germany might be as
strong as Colossus, we never would
submit, though we suffered cruelties
never before known in the world,
thousands and thousands being mas
sacred. and thrown into prison. yet
C4n
faithful and patriotism filled mans
heart.
"Do you know" asked the Cardinal,
Sin the history of the world any ma
ton Of people where steadfastness and
liberty and justice were maintained
GUM? / don't think our people have
a precedent in history. Our people
resisted the German onslaught and suf-
fered martyrdom.
"Will you subscribe to our terms?
the Germans asked; we offer you hap
pier homes. better country, but the
last word of the wives and chilrren of
Belgium was, Not Sign, No; Never
and of the 1900 not 1000 subscribed. :"
Cardinal MERCER said he was so edi-
fed by his reception accorded him in
America, that at first he could not say
word, only shed tears. He said
America possesses that spirit of re-
sistance that is characteristic of Bel
GUM, that spirit that comes of stead
fastness born of faith in Gods Provi-
dence. That. he said was the source
of all our strength.
God gave us from the first moment
such confidence in His mercy and JUS
tice. Il never knew" said the Cardi-
nal, moment of doubt or uncertainty,
during the entire four years struggle
was asked by the Germans to keep
silent; that means mot to make poll
ties / said | shall keep silent if
have nothing to say, but l shall speak
everything when / have something to
speak. Liberty and life are nothing
in comparison with duty and justice
You American people have been said
TO be materialistic, but / have found
you, above all things, to worship
the Great Leader of Justice and Right,
therefore our bond of sympathy"
In closing. Cardinal Mercier asked
the sympathy of the people of America
for the relief of his people and said
he wanted them to join in blessing God
for His preservation and care, and that
he asked from them prayer.
Cardinal Gibbons Remarks
Being happily introduced by the Gov
ernor. His Eminence.>James Cardinal
Gibbons made a brief but telling adj
dress in which he said:
Il have not words to convey to you
the deep sense of gratitude ! feel to-
ward the Governor of this State and
the people OF Annapolis who have
given such a kind reception to our
honored guest. Cardinal Mercier,
known to his people for his talents
land patriotism"
Cardinal Gibbons said the talents
possessed by Cardinal Mercier were
given him of God, and it was Al
|mighty God who had endowed him with
such personal gifts. But" said His
inc ;- 4, T. 4. .s