The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-24

taly Albert of Belgium & Und. Copyright, International naval matters at home and abroad made our discussion interesting and informing, and when the Prince of Wales came to Washington he had pleasant recollec- tions of a visit to Admiral Rodman' flagship and of the close cooperation Of the men of the navies of the two coun- tries in the World war They had high opinion of Ambassador Walter Hines Page, who left an impression in England that will give him place for all time as one of Americas ablest rep resentatives at the court of St. James
 THE KING OF BELGIUM After Joffe, no visitor who took q great part in the war received quite the welcome from the heart which the American people gave to Albert, king of the Belgians. This was due to three things: l. His heroic stand for the rights of his people to keep Belgium "a country and not a road" when tn 1914 resistance to Germany seemed the hopelessness of helplessness. 2. The story of Belgium in war days, told so clearly and so beautifully by Ambas- sador Brand Whitlock, who remained at his post and rendered great ser vice to humanity, and 3. Alberts | own courage and steadfastness and devotion to the welfare of the Bel gians.
 l found upon talking with him at Brussels and in America that he was keeping up with measures touching the prosperity of Belgium, and deeply in- | terested in the trend all over Europe | that presaged a larger share in govern ment by the people Indeed, all the | kings I talked with bad their ears tc the ground. There is not a public of- fice- in the United States, dependent for his tenure upon ra-election, who is keener to l~>w what the people want done than are the crowned heads of Europe, who still retain their thrones. KING ALBERT A ''TEETOTALER' Albert would not be called a pro- kibitionist. though he is what would be called in America "a teetotaler." l Though wines are served on his own table, he does not partake, believing that abstinence is the best course to pursue With King George refraining | from wine during the war, with King Albert teetotaler and the King of Italy g temperance man, those who | hope to see the drink habit pass arc at least in good society.
 Though his cousin, Prince Udine, and Marconi and distinguished Italian off, cers came to America on a war mis-  possible to come to America for confer ences with his American associates dur ing the war or since. As a matter of fact he was seldom in his own capital IT the last war had been a war of cavalrymen, it would have been truly said of him, as it was of Stonewall Jackson; His headquarters are in the saddle'
 The camp, the trenches. the place of | n1 nf Joe +1. Italian soldiers, was the headquarters or King Humbert. He does not come up to the ancient idea that a king should stand head and shoulders above his subjects. When you are presented you feel little disappointed as to his height, but not otherwise. He received the American naval party wearing the uniform of an officer of the Italian army He looked every inch the sea soned soldier and speaks English we'll
 VISIT TO ITALY'S KING
 He showed his pleasure in greeting Ambassador Thomas Nelson Page, who was beloved by Italians for his per sonal qualities and his distinguished service in trying days. This was be- ! fore Ambassador Pages book was printed. That will add to Italian ap- rreciation. as it has informed Ameri- cans, and is one of the most valuaE-.s
 
 Our visit to the king was just be- l fore Premier Orlando left him during the critical days fthe peace confer ence. He evidently was following closely it's deliberations and talked about the problems which after-war conditions left for solution in Italy and all that country bordering on the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. He regarded them as grave and calling for world study and world consideration.
 lie spoke with genuine appreciation Of the pleasure the visit of the Presi- dent and Mrs Wilson gave to him and to the Italian people, of the long and friendly relations between the two countries. and particularly the nayies of the two nations.
 FELT BREAKERS AHEAD
 Somehow l felt the critical impor- tance of the impending break at Paris as We talked, not from anything the king said, but from his impressive att titude as he touched upon some of the questions which have since become so serious He knew there were breakers ahead, and was even then nerving him self to pilot the ship through the week after I was in Rome.
 AS, with Ambassador Page, our com pany stood in the Coliseum and looked into the bluest of blue skies, with a Caproni carrying a dozen passengers flying over our heads, the reflection came over me that the world had travelled far since Caesars legions marched through the streets of inn perial Rome.
 Westward the course of empire" las taken it's flight but new Rome car ries in it's bosom the spirit of hope and of adventure which beckon it to its ancient greatness.
 TRIBUTES BY BONI
 AND WILSON
 When President Wilson visited Italy shortly after the armistice Boni con ducted him through the sacred ways of Rome. Pointing out the tomb of Romo- lus and other sacred places, the distiu- guisned Roman said to the American President. as he presented him with branches of laurel and myrtle: Today offer these symbols to you, the up- holder of the freedom and civilization of peoples"
 President Wilson replied: These sa- cred symbols speak a great and pro- found language"
 The reply of the great archaeologiss paid to our countrymen: You Ameri cans have something more sacred still. but you carry it in your hearts-s love of humanity"
 To be worthy of that tribute is in- spiration and incentive to Americans. today, tomorrow, forever
 tAnother article by former Secretary Daniels will be printed tomorrow-)