From Our Belgian Correspondent With regard to the commotion caused in Belgium through the riotous and untoward manifestations of some of the ex-combattants—the French-speaking ones—against the Atnnesty Act, it needs to be stressed that most Of these manifestants seem to have been exploited by some sections of politicians for their own purpose.
The Catholic Federation has issued a feeling pronouncement. "Sincere patriots," it says, "unanimously regret the passing of the amnesty law in the form it was voted. It hurts the feelings of those who gave the best of themselves in defence of the country."
Referring to the manner in which the rnanifestants forced an audience from the King, it states that " it spoils their cause to bring the monarch into this irritating discussion and it is an insult to the Sovereign's person to reproach him in this way.
"The King could not act otherwise. Otherwise he places himself in conflict with Parliament and might cause a grave crisis in the country. In Belgium, the King reigns, but does not govern."
Insult to King Commenting on the proposal of the exservice men to demonstrate at the tragic rock on which King Albert met his death at March-les-Dames, and to place a wreath bearing the words "To him who would not have signed the amnesty," it suggests that this action constitutes an attack on the memory of King Albert and is an insult to his son, the present King.
" Violence," concludes this Catholic Federation pronouncement, " constitutes no argument. The cause the ex-combatants have at heart is too ruined to be spoiled by such displaced gestures."