Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-10-09
KING ALBERT OF BELGIUM


people of the world have been struggling
with the problem of From earliest times some sort
attempted live Two distinct ideals gradually evolved
through the various experiments tried the ideal OF auoc
1acy rule of the by the few and the other its
posie democracy the of the people, by the people,
first autocracy have almost absolute over
the civilized world but time went gradual limiting of the
of the mOnarch brought about which allowed demo-
cratic principles to gain more and more OF an ascendency Every
problems to face and solve some IN one way ana some IN anote
England retained her king remaining true to honored
arch from time time that he has become virtually figure
head king name only since the real power vested
destroyed monarchy and built the ruins of the old regime
at the head N~'''~''''
America the coming late into the of ma
tons poed by the mistakes and experiments OF Europe and
worked out constitution for herself based the best and
features English but doing
king nobility all they implied This remarkable docu
ment has wthsood all the tests of time has itself elastic
go1 tS 70 ee e of trorv and the social
economic and industrial development of the country This con
but adaptation by them of those principles which had proved
most lasting and satisfactory democratic government America
for sometime doubtful experiment which has
proved successful that the democratic principles foered here
have spread throughout the civilized world and Europe turn
has to learn from America
The curtament of the of kings in European coun-
could be made but by struggle and effort for kings in
been oathe lay aside authority even the good
Of the people demanded it. Occasionally however we ma KING
big enough and noble enough to place love country au Oh
love of authority love of self Such king we have today
visit which to include "a tour Of our great country from
the Atlantic to the Pacific.
this He upon that occasion for the pur
studying industrial and governmental institutions
that much possible OF OF those principles
him the position which he seemed destined
to occupy later which fills How well he prohted by
what observed here how well the democratic spirit which ne
must felt has been fosered the minds OF his own
people manifest when Germany demanded by ult
maum unrestricted right of Belgian territory to
invade France that utmatum delivered to King
Albert recognized great to democracy IN gen
placed himself the head of his troops and though
forced to give his capital city to the invading Hun and to
beloved people compelled to undergo all sorts OF hardhp
ndignes many to the giving up OF life ITSELF ne sue
in
France mobilize and stop the onushng hordes be-
sacrificed.
The world witnessed heroic deed than
that performed by the Belgian troops led by their king and
backed by sef-sacrcng spirit OF her people
Belgium proud of her king she loves her king and well she
IN klngshlp not
with all that the implies gong
hand in hand with old traditions of royalty. -
glad and proud to welcome to America King Albert
of Belgium his loyal wife because feel that the world
Belgium and her king great debt OF gratitude
which repay We also glad to welcome HIM as
man. as king who love of country above love OF
democratic principles above love OF country
before the world today beneactor and an eX
ample manhood and of kngshp which democracy
alone produce.