Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-01-31

had already freed considerable part of occupied Bel
gum. The German General Government of Belgium
knew that its days numbered. On Thursday, Oc-
tober II, at p Baron der Lancken repaired to
the archbshops house and in the of the Governor
General and the Berlin Government handed the Cardinal
the following declaration, translated into French:
"You are in our estimation the incarnation of oc-
cuped Belgium of achich you the generated and
trusted pastor. For this it is to you the Gov
er1,or General and my government also have COM
nissioned to and to announce that achcn Wc
cvacuate your soil aoish to hand to you un-
asked and of free 1ci the political prisoners
serving their time either IN Belgium in Germany,
ave those Dho haze been deported They 'ciU De
free to return to their homes; the first batch tciH
start Monday 21st inst. As this news Is sure TO
rejoice your heart, am happy to impdrt IL to you;
the more so as haze not been able to lire for four
years IN the midst Of the BeEgians oithout csteeing
them and appreciaing their patriotism at its true
value"
The next day the Cardinal sent Baron Won der
Lancken the following letter:
Archbshop's House, Malines,
October 1s, 1918,
To Baron von der Lancken, Chief of the Political De-
partment of the Government General, Brus-
Dear Baron-The announcement you were kind
enough to make yesterday, in the name of the Gov
General and the German Government, as to the
early release of political prisoners and de-
ported has greatly rejoced me and return you my
HedIuelI LldHhS.
Next Sunday your message will be given to the
public in all the parishes of the diocese. 1t will pro-
duce soothing impression and will quicken hopes
When in the of the week families see the alb
sent ones returning to their homes they will feel
rising in them generous desires Of reconciliation and
forgiveness.
have the honor to join to my letter a copy Of
the communication to be made to my flock.
feel sure am voicng the wishes of our people,
when in their name we'll as in my own, beg you
to tell the authorities whose representative you
among US, how greatly appreciate the benevolent
action Of which your governments initiative is a
proof and with what earnestness we long for the
realization of the hopes your promise has raised in
hearts.
Accept, Baron, the assurance Of my sincere
TEEN.
(signed) D.J CARDINAL MERCER
Archbishop of Malines.
With this letter was ncosed the Cardinals COM
munication to his flock. which was read in all the
churches Sunday, October 20,'
Manes, Oct. II, 1918.
To the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of Manes.
Dear Beloved Brethren-Our hearts in hope.
Peace is not yet signed. So suddenly do events
follow one another, SO dsconcertngly at times. that
one would venture to say peace already
Its day, however has already dawned.
We already the harbnger of it.
Today, Thursday, October H. the chief of the
political department in the name of the Gov
General of Brussels and of the Berlin Govern
ment. He brought word to that Belgian political
prisoners nterned either in Belgium or in Germany,
and the Belgans deported into Germany will be re-
leased as soon Belgium is evacuated. The release
of those detained in the prisons of occupied Belgium
outside the military areas, will begin from Monday,
21st inst.
I append herewith the written declaration which
the German Governments delegate handed to me.
Influenced by personal feeling, which you will un-
derstand, have hestated to give you the full text
thereof. But reflection, l have decided to do so
(Here follows the text of the declaration above)
You see then, dearly beloved brethren that God