Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-01-03
)R OF DELIVERANCE DRAWS NEAR" SAYS MERCER
PPEAL TO BELGIAN PEOPLE TO REMAIN PATIENT

our independence should find stronger more cour-
ageous, more united than Let prepare for IL
by work. by patience, by brotherhood When in 1880 we
remember the dark years of 19141916 they will appear
to US brighter, more majestic and provided today we
know how to make up mind they will prove the
happest and most fruitful of national history Per
crucem ad lucem. Light springs from sacrifice
"Long Liue the Cardinali"
At the end of the service the organ played the
"Brabanconne." Up to that point the congregation,
obedient to the recommendations of the Cardinal had
restrained their emotion but scarcely had the last note
of the national hymn died away than spontaneously
cry burst forth from every breast "Long live Belgium
Long live the King!"
according to custom, conducted professionally to
the deanery situated close to the church. The crowd
pressed to the door of the sacristy met him with
the cry: Long live the Cardinal! Long live bertyn
In the evening about o'clock passers-by recognized
the Cardinals motorcar waiting at the gate of st.
Louiss Institute crowd at once collected and the
instant the Cardinal entered his carriage to return to
Manes he was acclaimed with enthusiastic shouts by
a crowd that every moment grew denser. A German
officer appeared the scene, accompanied by a de-
tachment of soldiers, and brutally ordered bayone
charge and several persons were wounded. The Car
dnas motorcar rapidly disappeared in the direction of
Malines. The following day Lieutenant General Hurt
sent letter to the Burgomaster of Brussels from which
we extract the following passages.f
when the Cardinal in the evening passed through
the city in his motorcar demonstration hostile to the
German authorities took place of such nature to rouse
the population to resistance and consdered acts. You
must agree sir that occupying power in the world
could ta1nely submit to such provocation,
"In consequence have suggested to the Governor
General that he should nfct fine upon the entire
population of Brussels. The Governor General has
agreed to my proposal and has inflicted fine of mil
lion marks"
The incidents that marked that day. July "a, occa.
stoned exchange of letters between his Emnence and
the Governor General.
Government General Of Belgium, Brussels,
July s4, 1916.
To His Eminenoc Cardinal Mcrcier, Archbishop Of
Throughout the country generally July FL passed
cithout incident 1t Uus only at Brussels that DEM
onstration took place Incompatible witk the regime Of
occupation.
This demonstration started Nth your E,ninence
yourself. The reports aUhch haze reached me IN
form ME that during the address you delivered at
ST. Gudute's you expressed yourself as foUows: "The
hour of dehUerance drdws near but has not get
struck. He Uho bears the responsibility of this fright
ful should reoue its deserts He that let loose
this storm upon Belgium must be punished
"My dear brethren, pray for the martyrs Of lib
erty, remain firm, and aflshuken 4our hone uour
deliveronce IS at hand.
"a curate of our diocese has been sentenced TO
taOelVe years. penal serUitude. IN holy
church to sir years. Imprisonment. Pray for these
martyrs aOho languish IN prison cell for having
serUed their king and country
1880 an historic date 1Uhen the people
of Belgium eVrng their liberty from their oppressors
after fourteen gears and te1U days all the
churches of Belgium aciU reSound 1cuh the Belgian
peoples shouts Of joy and gladness.'
Before coming to a decision respecting this Incl
dent, pray your Eminence to rouchsufe as early
possible explanation of tbia affair and inform
If the extracts quoted above reproduce erdctly the
words altered By you Misunderstanding huve been
caused in similar cases. Accordingly, deem, it i'm
portunt for your Eminence to communicate to this
part Of your address. 1t ,Coud interest especially
10 learn If your Eminence spoke 7Uh such certainty
Of the approaching hour of deliverdnce.