Belgium.

Manawatu Herald, 22 April 1902, Page 3

Belgium.

PREDICTION OF CIVIL WAR. M. Van der Velde, the chief Socialist leader in Belgium, asserts that three hundred thousand men are on strike. Speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, the Premier said the demand for a revision of the constitution was premature. Universal suffrage might not bo accepted at any price. The Socialists predict'"that the Government’s attitude will produce civil war. The Chamber were to vote on Friday ujjon the question of revising the Constitution. Thousands of provincial residents in Belgium are walking to Brussels, railway tickets being refused them. Grave events are feared on the announcement of the decision of the Chamber of Deputies on the question of revision of the Constitution. The Chamber of Deputies, by 81 votes to 64, rejected the motion for revision of the Constitution. Subsequently, M. Van der Velde, leader of the Socialists, addressing his followers in Brussels, urged them to remain quiet, and expressed the hope that King Leopold would intervene to terminate the crisis. A resolution was carried to continue the strike. The Socialists at Louvain rioted and stoned the police outside the residence of M. Schollaert, President of the Chamber of Deputies. The also attacked the Catholic Club. The Civil Guard fired volleys into the rioters, killing five and wounding twelve, several fatally. The streets are barred and the military are maintaining order.