The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1919-11-05

uay 10 greet the king OIL inc bclSlanS,
his consort and their sou. 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 Of Europc's pluckicst little
state.
King Albert is not given to long |
speeches. His addresses, first in the |
senate and then in the house, made
scarcely 600 words but in them he
gave the American army credit for as
suring victory in the war, paid hon. !
age to the fallen and extended his
sympathy to the wounded. He eX-
pressed his admiration for the United
States, acknowledged 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 Amcri-
cans who aided his people in the war.
There was little ceremony in the
visit to congress but there was no
mistaking the warmth of the greeting
given the royal Belgans and the
earnestness Of the king in his address
was evident. The galleries were
crowded although admission was only
by card and nearly all the senator's
were in their seats when the coming
Of his majesty was announced. JUS
tces Of the supreme court, senators
and spectators rose and applauded
vigorously as the tall, erect figure of
the king strobe down the aisle beside
Senator Lodge. Behind him came
the Duke Of Brabant escorted by Sen
ator Hitchcock.
A few moments later the handicap
ping changed to cheers as Queen
Elizabeth gowncd in white and wear
ing a wine colOrcd cloak Of velvet, APP
pcarcd in the executive gallery with
the wife Of Vice President Marshall
and attended by Countess DcCaraman-
Chimav, her lady in waiting. Staid
members Of the upper house forgot
tl,cir dignity IN their admiration for
the little woman who had followed her
husband through the trenches in Bel
GUM.
The king was escorted to q seat be-
side Senator Cummins, who was pre-
sidinG as president protein, and who
greeted him With high praise for his
moral courage and his gallantry on
the field. Prince Leopold was seated
at his fathers right. Grouped about
them carrying the swords they wear
only on ceremonial occasions, were
Lieut.. Gen. Baron jacques, one of Bel
s;ian'S greatest military leaders, Colo
nol Tilken, aid to his majesty and
Major Count d'Cultrcmont, adiutant
Of the court, with them were Major
General William NJ. Wright and Rear
Admiral Andrew ~. Long, the kings
American aides, Ambassador Brand
Whitlock and Baron De Cartier dc
Marchcnnc, the Belgian ambassador
Albert was interrupted moro than
once by applause during his brief adj
dress and there was another demon.
straticn Of approval when he finished
l.at2r he ana his son met the senators
individually.
The scene in the house was a rcpc
ttion Of hat in the senate On the
floor we're the children OF many Of tho
members and their cheers were as en-
thusiastic rs those Of their fathers
The king was SIGHTED before his com
ing had been Leraldcd and the house
and galleries rose to greet him. Thcrt
was another burst Of applause whcI
he was introduced and an even loude,
one wlcl he had finished.
King Albert was tho central figure
in the day In ceremony more pictur
enuc Il less important than his vsi
10 the canitol. II was enacted in tn
drawing room Of the home OF Brcckln
ridge Long, where he is a guest
when Secretary Of War Baker pinnct
upon his breast by direction OF Pres
dcnt Wilson the American distin
guishcd service medal.
Pcrshing, commander OF America
forces in the field, was there to gree
the leader Of Bclgium's armies. Wit
him were General March, Genera
Jacques, his broad chest covered viii
the ribbons denoting decorations from
many countries, General Wright, Ad
miral Long and Prince Leopold Al
--"~ras---s,.--"--'..
u IssygSEl