Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-10-29
CONGRESS PAUSES
Continued from PAGE ons)

~Ss>s~~~S>A 1880
Of approval when he had finished. Later
he and his son met the senators indi-
vidually.
The scene In the House was repe-
ii, ion Of that in the Senate
On the floor were the children of man"
OF the members and their cheers were
as enthusiastic as those Of their faith
e:s. The King was sighted before his
coming had been heralded and 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 his speech.
The visit to the capitol lasted little
less than an hour, and from that the
King went to be decorated with the
American distinguished service medal.
This ceremony was enacted in the
dra wing room of the home Of Brock
enbridse Long.
Pershing. commander of American
forces in the field, was there to
greet the leaders of Belgium's arm
les. With him were General March.
General Jacques. his broad chest
covered with the ribbons denoting
decorations from many countries,
General Wright, Admiral Long and
Prince Leopold. Albert wore no
decoration upon his lieutenant gen.
erals uniform until that Of America
was pinned there and the only rib
bon on Pershing's tunic denoted the
war cross Of Belgium.
Secretary Baker, in a brief ad-
him to decorate so brave a soldier
and then read the citation which
granted his majesty the medal in
recognition of distinguished and
patriotic service which he has rem
dered to the common cause upon the
battlefields of Europe"
Albert trained from youth to hide
his emotions. could not altogether
dissemble. He hesitated a moment
and his voice trembled slightly as he
voiced his appreciation OF this
medal worn by SO many distinguish
ed soldiers
Then, turning to General Persh-
ing. he added:
Il am pleased to receive it in the
presence Of the commander in chief
of the American Expeditionary
Forces"
AS he ceased speaking he and Per-
shng. each animated by the same
impulse, stepped forward a pace and
c'asped hands silently. his majesty
half head taller than the American
chieftain but each Of them typically
the soldier.
The King. Queen and their son
were guests at a dinner given tonight
by Vice President and Mrs. Marshall.
In proposing toast 10 the President
of the United States, King Albert
said
My first words will be to express
in the name of the Queen and my.
self. in the name of the whole Bel
gian people. our deep feelings of re-
greet at the illness of President VIII
son.
Il form in the depth of my heai
the wish that the illustrious Presi-
dent of the United States may soon
find his health, broken by his supe
human labors and so precious to his
country. and to all humanity, com
p!etely restored to us.
Il thank the vice president for his
kind words. l hasten to express 20
the American government my pro-
found gratitude for the splendid hos
pitality that it has shown me since
the day that / left my country on
board a ship flying the Stars and
Stripes.
The delicate arrangements, a
thousand of all kinds. have made
my sojourn in this wonderful coun-
try the most interesting and agree
able. l have found friends every
where and it is faithful friend who
leaves you with regret in q few DAYS
bearing forever the memory of your
welcome and profound admiration
for the activity end genius of the
American people.
Il give you the toast, ladies AMI
gentlemen. the President of the Uni
ted States, and in this toast all to
include the vice president and his
charming lady"
The first event Of the day by the
royal Belgians was a visit to the
White House. where Mrs. Wilso.,
chatted with them nearly half an
hour. Miss Margaret Wilson was at
the Long Island residence to greet
them whenl they returned. During
the day both the King and Quee.,
received many visitors.
The Belgians will spend all of To-
| morrow afternoon at Mount Vernon
and will be entertained at dinner in
the evening by Secretary and Mrs
Lansing
King Albert and Prince Leopold
probably will visit the Naval AGA J.
envy at Annapolis Thursday morning.
and it is possible that Queen Eliza
beth will go to Baltimore. during
their absence. to inspect hospitals.