BELGIUM.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 737, 8 October 1870, Page 2

BELGIUM.

(PER GREVILLE AND CO.'S TBLEGBiM COMPANY.) (FROM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Brussels, Aug. 9. The general election for the Belgian Parliament took place on the 3rd August. The Liberals were nearly everywhere defeated. The country people flocked to the towns or polling places, led by the priests, and the Catholics, or Ultramontane party have now a majority of twenty votes in both Houses. A revolution is feared. Serious disturbances have already taken place in Ghent and Antwerp. In Antwerp, the people gathered in front of one of the King's palaces, shouting "Vive la Belgique!" "A bas le Roi ! " and the burgo-inaster, who was tryißg to restore order, was insulted. The people went to attack the Convents and the Jesuits had their windows smashed by the throwing of stones. The Parliament had been dissolved, and was convoked again on August 8. The King became unpopular for having accepted the formation of a Cabinet composed of Ultramontanes and men inexperienced in political matters, when, in presence of the situation of Europe, tried men should have been called to the front. The nation generally protests against -the dissolution of the Chambers, which brought on the disturbance and crisis. In Brussels, cries were heard of "Vive la Belgique independante !" "la Remiblique!" "Abasleßoi !" Business is stopped altogether. Iv Antwerp a stock of 60,000 bales La Plata wool (a quantity equal to about 140,000 bales Port Phillip) remains unsaleable. The banks have withdrawn every facility forcredit. The Count of Flanders has subscribed 10,000 f. towards relieving the families of recruits. The people of Brussels and other citie3 have voted addresses of congratulation and thanks to the Queen and people of England for their generous protection of Belgian neutrality and independence.