The sun., 1919-09-28


that Holland had broken off
diplomatio relations with Belgium
have received a denial from the Dutch
Envoy in Jaris, Jonkheer Van Swim
deren, there is no getting over the
fact that the tension between Brussels
and The Hague continues undated
The Netherlands have shown no dis
position to comply with the de-
mands made by Belgium, and which
have received the approval of the
other Powers of the Entente, while
the very fact that the two kingdoms
should be unrepresented by ministers
plenipotentiary in their respective
capitals, Is not calculated to convey
the impression that the attitude of the
two Governments toward one another
is characterized by much cordiality.
Indeed, the crisis concerning the
Scheldt, the Terneuzen Canal, and the
Dutch enclave of Limburg. continues
upabated. 1t affects the entire polit-
teal and economic future of Belgium
whose prosperity, and whose safety
from invasion by the Germans are
wholly dependent on a satisfactory
settlement. 1t is no exaggertion to as
sert that the very national life of
Belgium is at stake. That her gal
liant ruler should have chosen this
particular time, when his presence at
Brussels would appear to be of such
surprising Importance, to voyage
across the Atlantic. makes 1t manifest
that his visit to America is not one
of mere courtesy. nor yet a pleasure
tour.
Averse to Entertaining.
King Albert, who is due at Hoboken
with his Queen and his eldest son, the
yong Duke of Brabant, this afternoon
or tomorrow, has already intimated
that he is averse to banquets and fes-
Invites, which he insists neither the
time nor the occasion warrant. The
purpose of his coming to this country
is a serious one. 1t is to seek, by a
personal appeal to the Administration
and to popular sentiment in the United
States the practical help for his coun-
try which he has been unable thus
Tar to find in Europe. 1t is political
and economic backing that Belgium
. desires from the United States. She
needs 1t in her differences with Hol-
land. She needs 1t to obtain the rep
arauon agreed to by Germany at Ver-
eailles. She needs II for her indus
trial and commercial reconstruction
now at standstill for lack of funds,
OF foreign credits and of raw mate
rails. That is the real purpose Of the
visit TO America of King Albert, with
MS consort and heir apparent. Upon
The success of his mission depends the
future of Belgium.
While Great Britain. France and
italy are entirely in sympathy with
the demands made. by Belgium upon
the Netherlands in connection with
The estuary OF the Scheldt, the Ter
neuzen Canal and the province of
Llmburg, they realize that short of ac-
tual recourse to arms it would be we'll
high impossible to bring Holland to
terms without the cooperation of the
United States
None Of the Allies is disposed to in
Vade Holland by land or by sea, nor
YET TO revive the war. To use force
with Holland would be to arouse n
sympathy in her behalf which does not
now exist. But there should be no
conjunction about organizing an eco
homic boycott against her IL she con-
uhues to refuse to listen TO reason.
none OF the Allies can entertain kindly
Leehngs toward her. Throughout the
. Nreat War her neutrality was of the
most hostile description toward us and
quite unduly friendly toward Germany.
indeed, the fiagrancy of the viola
uons OF neutrality of which she rem
oered herself guilty in behalf of Ger
many by furnishing her with supplies
"h4ch she had been allowed by us to
import from oversee on the distinct
understanding that they were destined
1or exclusively domestic consumption,
undoubtedly impaired the efficiency OF
our blockade Of the enemy and of pro-
longing the Great War. Had it not
oeen for the peculiar construction
paced by the Dutch upon neutrality
me war might have been brought to a
1918.
It is not the Dutch people who have
Ueen so much to blame but their Gov.
eminent, as well as the aristocracy
ara the higher officers Of army and
navy oussa Wlhelmins. while en-