DEATH OF KING ALBERT

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21096, 22 February 1934, Page 9

DEATH OF KING ALBERT

BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY TRIBUTES AIR MACDOXALD'S PRAISE (Eim-rioiL orrici.ii. mriELKss.. (Received February 21, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, February 20. Eloquent and moving tributes to King Albert were delivered in both Houses of Parliament to-day. In the House of Commons the j floor and galleries were crowded j when the Prime Minister (Mr Ram- | say Mac Donald) rose to move that King George be asked to convey exI pressions of the deep regret with ; which the House had learned the j news of King Albert's death, and I to pray him to express the profound sympathy felt with the Queen of I the Belgians, the Royal Familv, and I the Government and people of Belgium. Mr Mac Donald said King Albert had held a unique place among the rulers of Europe. He recalled how at the outbreak of the war in 1914 this quiet, unostentatious man was unshakeable in his devotion to national liberty and his loyalty to obligations, was the embodiment of his people and one of the most powerful personal factors in the conduct of the war. As the months passed he grew in stature in the eyes of all who had dealings with him. He was patient in suffering and restrained in triumph. Through 1 the whole of that terrible time he { was faithful to the c harge of his I kingship. I j Pledge Fulfilled I Throughout the vears of his reign j King Albert pari fulfilled the 1 pledge given in the first speech he I delivered from the Throne, when Iho declared: "A sovereign must be unceasingly attentive to the voice of his country and watch with sympathy over the state of the humblest. Tie is the servant of the law and the guardian of social peace.'' The Prime Minister added: 'Tn bidding him farewell one can but say he was a fine man, a great King, and a noble citizen." On behalf of the Opposition. Mr C. 11. At.tlee also expressed heartfelt sympathy, describing the King as. a man who, in adversity and , war, had displayed high courage and constancy, and, in difficult times of peace, wisdom and understanding Other speakers included Sir Herbert Samuel uho ir. the early stages of the war was the Minister responsible for the welfare of 250,000 Belgian refugees in Great Britain, and who, after the Armistice, went !o Belgium as a special commissioner appointed to aid in her restoration. I In the House of Lords, Lord Hai!j sham said that King Albert in physical perfection, intellectual I ability and greatness of character I was a pre-eminent figure in Europe I i>nci the world, especially at this I moment, could ill afford his loss. j He expressed profound sympathy j for the Queen of the Belgians, and prayed that the Duke of Brabant, so suddenly called upon to take on great responsibilities. might be strengthened by the same courage, wisdom, and understanding with j which his father had been endowed. : Tributes were also paid by Lords Po.'isonby and Reading. The London County Council, standing 111 silence, to-day passed a resolution of sympathy with the Belgian Royal Family and nation. 1 Requiem Mass will take place at Westminster Cathedral on Wednesday, next week. BODY LIES IN STATE j THOUSAND? PASS TIIKOI (ill j TUB CiJAPKI. ' (Received February 21. 7.10 p.m.) BRUSSELS, February 21. : The hodv of King Albert lies in state in the black and silver Clmpelle Ardente at the RoyaJ Palace, beneath a purple velvet catafalque surmounted by a drooping Belgian flag. It is guarded by soldiers with bowed heads, their arms reversed. The inner circle of guards consists of two be-medallcd war veterans in civilian clothes, two Court officials, and two high army officers. The guard maintains its vigil day and night, being changed hourly. - The pale, calm face of the King is visible by the light of tail candles. The Belgian colours lie at his feet. Thousands formed a queue at an early hour to lile past their beloved monarch. By midday 50.000 had passed by. All classes wear black. The pilgrimage began at 8 a.m. and continued at the rale of 1,000 an hour. Hundreds knelt tor a moment in prayer as they passed the coffin. BRITISH ARMY TO SEND WREATH (Received February 22, 12.30 a.m.) BRUSSELS, February 21. The British Army is sending a wreath of poppies. President von Hindenburg will be represented at the funeral by Renvoi! Keller, a former German Minister at Brussels. It is stated that the former Kaiser cannot be represented because he has had no information from Belgium.