Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-10-28
ALBERT PRAISES
j. S. FOR VICTORY
Belgian King Pays Homage in
Addresses to Senate and
House
MESSAGES TO THE NATION
by the Associated Press


American army which he described us
the decisive factor in determining the
victory" In pu address to the Sen.
ltc few minutes earlier he had as
serted that nothing could better char
acterize the reign of universal dcmoc-
'acy' than the friendship between his
and the United States.
The addresses Of his majesty today
were the longest and most important
nc has made in America. They were
intended as messages to the entire ma
ton aud his sincerity in expressing the
hanks of Belgium to Americans for
heir aid was plainly evident. He said
10 the Senate:
salute not only the eminent men
who receive me here during the day.
but | salute the memory of your
great predecessors who. during $50
years, have sat in this place aud
given to the whole world the example
of highest civic virtues.
Stirred by L. S. Friendship
This welcome of the Senate seals
that reception, SO warm and SO spon-
tancous. I have received everywhere
during my journey across this mag,
niticcnt country. ] am deeply moved
by the expressions Of sympathy that
the name of Belgium cvokes from
this noble American people.
Nothing could better characterize
the reign of universal democracy than
that friendship which unites the great
republic with its 1i0.OOO.O00 citi-
zcns and tho realm of which | am
the constitutional head, with its
800. 600 inhabitants.
IL there is no equality of power
and riches between them, there is
equality in the love of liberty and in
aspiration toward social progress. On
both sides of the Atlantic the same
ideal inspires us. The exchange of
ideas, the commercial relations, the
visits to Belgium of eminent Ameri-
, can citizens, Of whom many sit in
this assembly. are SO many means
of tightening the bonds between the
two nations.
! hope with all my heart that these
relations, which 60 back as far as
memory, which have been fortified
during the war as we'll as by the
admirable assistance which you rem
dered Belgium by feeding her people
and by fraternity in arms, will never
cease TO develop for the great good
of the two peoples.
Speaks to House
The visit to the Senate of King Al
bert and the Duke of Brabant lasted
only half an hour, and they went i'm
mediatcly to the House. in his ad-
dress there his majesty said:
] am happy to bc able to bear to
this chamber, which cmbodics the
living spirit of the American people.
the greetings of Belgium, demo-
cratic and parliamentariGn state Gre
ated by the vote Of the popular as
sembly of 1880. which proclaimed
the independence of our provinces.
1t is n pleasure to recall that many
of the provisions of our constitution
were taken from your fundamental
law, so that at the outset of her ca
reer Belgium WAS indebted to you.
Our two peoples have fought and
triumphed together. The interven-
tion of the American army was the
decisive factor in determining the vic
tory. ! pay my respectful and sin
cerc homage to the officers. the sol
diers and sailors who fell for great
cause on the battlefelds of Europe
and in defense of the seas.
The hearts of Belgians whom these
heroes helped to liberato from the
domination of the enemy go out in
profound gratitude 20 the wounded.
In their name | address to the wound
cd Of the great war the assurance of
our affection and sympathy. I ex-
press the gratitude of Belgium TO
those distinguished American citizens
who gave themselves with such a spirit
of sacrifice to tho task of tightening
the sufferings of the Belgian people.
Lauds Hoover and Whitlock
In this noble assembly ] solcmnly
thank the members of the commits
sion for relief and the innumerablc
committees that helped in its admira-
bic efforts. ] salute in particular the
names craven forever in our mem
ories of Herbert Hoover and Brand
Whitlock.
May this splendid American nation,
so richly endowed by nature. so mag
niiicently served by its people, pur-
sue in the serenity of its power its
work of achievement, of culture and
of progress.
Despite busy day ahead of him,
King Albert varied his announced pro
gram and, accompanied by Queen Eliza
beth, and the Duke of Brabant. called
at the White House this morning,
spending half an hour in an informal
visit with Mrs. Wilson. The visit fol
lowed the reception of the staff of the
Belgian legation by the royal party.
On his return from tho White House.
King Albert received Vice President
Marshall and Mrs. Marshall. Senator
president pro tempore of the
Senate, and Speaker Gillett of the
House. Members of President Wilson $
cabinet called to pay their respects to
the nations distinguished guests.
Miss Margaret Wilson, the Prcs =
dents daughter, also called. As she
left. she was escorted to the door by
the king and the Duke of Brabant.
Secretary and Mrs. Baker were first of
the cabinet circle to arrive and were
followed by the other cabinet officers
and their wives.
May See President
The kings program calls for an in :
formal tea with Mrs. Wilson at the
White House Thursday afternoon, but il
il probable, in view of President Will
sons improved condition that the guest
will be permitted to visit the President
informally. King Albert is known to be
particularly anxious to greet the Presi E.
dent and, return the call he received
from President Wilson at Brussels.
The award of the American Distin-
guished Service Medal to King Albert
takes place at 4 O'Clock this afternoon
at the residence OF Breckinridge Long,
third assistant Secretary of State,
where the royal guests are being enter
tained during their visit to Washing
ton. The award carries the following
''To this distinguished soldier, com
msnder in chief of the Belgian army,
r. ,,nndaI Is nresented as an eNnres