New-York tribune., 1919-10-29
Congress Halts Sessions
to Greet Belgian Royal
Family; War Secretary
Pins ID. S. C.. on King
Visitors Received
By Mrs. Wilson
Ruler Is Moved Deeply
ON Meeting Pershing;
Extends Thanks to US.

OF Congress paused in their work to-
day to greet the King of the Belgians,
his consort and their son. 1t was the
first visit of king to the Capitol, and
the lawmakers of the nation gave a
cordial welcome to the democratic SOL
dier-ruler.
King Alberts addresses, first in the
Senate and then in the House, made
scarcely 500 words, but he gave the
American army credit for assuring vic
tory in tho war, paid homage to the
fallen and extended his sympathy to
the wounded. He expressed his ad-
miration for the United States, &C.
knowledged the debt of the makers of
Belgium's constitution to those who
framed that of this country, predicted
that the ties binding the two nations
never would be broken and offered
thanks to all the Americans who aided
his people in the war.
There was little ceremonial in the
visit to Congress. The galleries were
crowded, although admission was only
by card, and nearly all the Senators
were in their seats when the coming
rf his majesty was announced.
Royal Visitor Is Cheered
Justices of the Supreme Court, Sem
ators and spectators rose and ap-
plauded vigorously as the tall, erect
figure of the King strode down the
aisle beside Senator Lodge. Behind
him came the Duke Of Brabant, es-
corted by Senator Hitchcock.
"A few moments later the handicap
ping changed to cheers as Queen Eliz-
abeth, gUwned in white and wearing a
in the executive gallery with the wife of
Vice President Marshall and attended
by Countess dc Caraman- Chimay, her
lady-in- waiting. Staid members Of the
Upper House forgot their dignity in
their admiration for the little woman
who had followed her husband through
the trenches
The King was escorted to q seat be-
side Senator Cummins, who was pre-
siding as president pro tempore and
who greeted the visitor with high
praise for his moral courage ard his
gallantry on the field. Prince Leopold
Grouped about them. carrying the
swords they wear only OH ceremonial
occasions, were Lieutenant General
Baron jacques. Colonel Tilkens, aid to
his majesty, and Major Count d'Oultre-
mont, adjutant of the court With
them were Major General William NJ.
Wright and Rear Admiral Andrew T.
Long. the Kings American aids; Am
bassador Whitlock and Baron de Car
tier DE- Marchienne, the Belgian Am
bassador.
once by applause during his brief ad-
HrpS9 and there another
stration of approval when he had fin
ished Later he and his son met the
Senators individually.
The scene in the House was a repeti-
ton of that in the Senate. On the
floor were the children Of many of the
members and their cheers were as en-
thusiastic as those Of their fathers.
The King was sighted before his COM
ing had been heralded and the House
and galleries rose to greet him. There
was another burst of applause when he
was introduced and an even louder one
when he had finished.
King Albert was the central figure
later in the day in 8 ceremony more
picturesque, if less important, than
his visit to the Capitol. It was enact
ed in the drawing room of the home
OF Breckenridge Long, where he is a
guest, when Secretary of War Baker
pinned upon his breast, by direction
of President Wilson, the American
Distinguished Service medal.
General Pershing was there to
greet the leader of Belgium's armies.
With him were General March, Cen
eral Jacques, General Wright, Adni-
raj Long and Prince Leopold. King
Albert wore no decoration upon his
lieutenant generals uniform until that
of America WAS mined there and the
only ribbon on Pershing's tunic de-
noted the War Cross of Belgium.
Baker Reads Citation
Secretary Baker, in brief address,
expressed the pleasure it gave him to
decorate so brave soldier, and then
read the citation which granted his
majesty the medal in recognition of
distinguished and patriotic service
which he has rendered t. the common
cause upon the battlefelds of Europe" :"
Albert, trained from youth to hide
his emotions, hesitated moment and
his appreciation of this medal worn
by so many distinguished soldiers. 4"
Then. turning to General Pcrshing. he
added:
II am pleased 70 receive it in the
presence of the commander in chief Of
the American Expeditionary Forces"
AS he ceased speaking he and Per-
shing, each animated by the same i'm
pulse, stepped forward pace and
clasped hands silently. his majesty half
q head taller than the American chick
tain.
Guests Of Marshalls
The King. Queen and their son were