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Northern Advocate, 26 February 1934, Page 5

ACCLAIMED

KING LEOPOLD If! RECEPTION FROM CROWD. HIS MAJESTY’S PLEDGE. (United Press Association—P>y Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received 2 p.m.) BRUSSELS, February 2,1. A huge cheering crowd assembled at the palace to greet King Leopold JTL and Queen Astrid, as they returned from the traditional Te Dcnm service, marking the second day of the monarch’s reign. The crowd swept away the police cordon and barriers but maintained a narrow, space allowing .Their Majesties to pass, after Burgomaster Max had specially intervened to prevent the police from pressing hack the people to the pavements. Their Majesties, in response to continuous appeals, mounted the balcony amid wild plaudits. The entire court had attended <the service at the cathedral of St, Gudule, Tiie streets were lined with troops. The cathedral specially redecorated, was occupied by representatives of the Government and the Embassies, including the German. Cardinal Van Roey, of Malines, attended with all the Bishops in Belgium and all the priests in Brussels. The Cardinal delivered an address of loyalty which the King acknowledged, declaring his determination to do his utmost in an effort to fulfil his opining task w-ith the assistance of his ' Queen. [ The choir chanted the Alma Mater, and the congregation, to the roll of. | drums, rose . and sang the ‘‘Brabanconne.” The majestic splendour of the scene deeply affected the King and Queen. King Leopold sent a message to the citizens, through Burgomaster Max, thanking them for their loyalty. As a pledge for the future, ho decreed the remission of any military ‘civil punishment, and extended a special pardon to all offenders, who served in the armv in wartime.