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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 16, 1919)
TTTT? MOTINTXO OKEGOXTAX, TUESDAY, DECDIREU 1G, 1010. WHAT HAS BELGIUM DONE TO GERMANY? "Tortured in Consciences, Cries Mercier in Plea to Von Bissing to Send Belgian Clergy to Minister to Prisoners Held in Germany. CARDINAL MEHCIEH'S STORT. Including hla correspondence with the German authorities in Belgium during the war. 1914 to 1918, edited by Prof. Fernand Mayence of Louvain univerity and translated by the Benedic tine Monks of St. Augustine's, Hamsgate, England. (Copyright, 1919, by Public Ledger Co.) EXPLANATORY COMMENT BY PRO. FKS.SOK FKKNAN D SIAYKNCE. THE month of May, 1915, began a new chapter in the war's history. Italy at last entered the conflict. The LiUsitania was sunk. Neutral In dignation was aroused. The tragedy of the Dardanelles was in progress. The reactions-of these momentous events are observable in the rela tions of Cardinal Mercier and Governor-General von Hissing. Both the priest anl soldier wrote with par ticularly spirited candor. Von Bis Finar'a tone was no longer oily and epurioualy deprecatory. It was bully ing and exultant. The letter in which he threatens to break off correspond ence with the cardinal reflects the self-satisfaction which ail Germany was taking in the banner blunder of her war-making-the destruction of the Cunarder Luaitania on May 7, 1915. The crime was not mentioned, for , the governor-general seldom dis cussed military or naval events with the primate, but it is clear that the Germans were Infatuated -with their own infamy, which they miscalled boldness. Under such circumstances a Belgian cardinal who persisted in speaking the truth was decidedly of fensive to the engineers of "Welt waoht." - Von Bissing was out of patience with his constant defeats at the hands of an irrepressible patriot. He caught, if possible, to avoid relations which so often placed hira in awk ward positions. The cardinal, on the other hand. was undeceived by the false glamour which the Germans saw in the Lusl? tanla outrage. He knew that the shame of it was undying and his deep spirituality inspired him doubtless to pin his faith on the principle of Just atonement. Furthermore, his sense tt realities must have told him that Italy's participation in the war was by that time inevitable and that the consequences of that act were of the highest import. lie minced no words In urging humane treatment for imprisoned priests and insisted categorically that Belgian chaplains be permitted to Join the Belgian army. If Von Bissing believed he had won a vic tory by refusing the requested pass ports, he erred in forecasting a sever ance of relations unless the cardinal were more "courteous." Mercier's fearless reply ended that threat. The correspondence went on until - f.ne governor-general finaly became too ill to hold office. Mercier was inextinguishable. He championed the right through the administration of three German governors-general. When the end came the Teuton authorities, then on slip pery ground, did most of the suppli cating. CHAPTER XIV. The Cardinal Aalca Voa Blnslna; to Authorise tbe Sending: of Chaplains to the Belgian Army and Presses for IteliBioua MtnlMtratlnna to Po litical PriMonera to Be Entrusted to Belgian Priests. The Uonrnn Civneral Refuses. j Archbishop's House, Malines, April 18th, 1915. To His Excellency Baron von Bissing, Governor-General, Brussels. Sir: I take the opportunity which your excellency offers me to explain to you a situation in religious mati ters which gives me great anxiety. 1 know that your excellency has taken steps with headquarters in Ber iflin, unfortunately without success, to 'obtain for Belgian priests, or at least Hollander priests, an authorization to ty an exercise their ministry among our countrymen interned in Germany. It only remains for us to await patiently the result of this re quest, which is made solely from a sense of religious feeling and which ought, one would think, appear to all as quite disinterested. What at present worries me is the organisation of the chaplaincies in the Belgian army. Since the beginning of the war sev eral chaplains have died or have been brought to the hospitals wounded; others have been recalled to Belgium by us because they were wanted by their parishes or for teaching. The need of their being replaced in the army is urgent. Will your excellenoy allow me to propose to you the names of four priests to whom you might grant a passport? I should be pleased to add to them the name of a priest who is asked for by the refugee Belgians at . Uden in Holland. Again, it is exclusively the Inter ests of religion which are at stake here; and I forward my request with alcandor and confidence to the gen eral government. Accept, sir, the renewed expression of my sincere esteem, (Signed) D. J. CARDINAL MERCIER. Archbishop of Malines. To the above letter General von Bissing sent an immediate answer, denying the request of the cardinal on the grounds that the priests were needed in Belgium and could not be spared to be sent to the Belgian , army. Cardinal Mercier Immediately renewed his request in a second let ter, but a second time he was re fused abruptly by the governor general. Archbishop's House, Malines, May 14, 1915. To His Excellency Baron von Bis sing. Governor General, Brussels. Sir, The letter dated May 1 (No 2130) with which your Excellency has ! honored me and which unavoidable circumstances have prevented my an swering earlier has brought about in my mind, I must say, an unpleasant disillusionment. - If I have insisted on obtaining a passport for four chaplains destined to fill the gaps which have taken place in our chaplaincies. It is be cause I could not succeed in fathom ing the reason for the first refusal I met with. Relying on the candor of my two requests, I expected marks of particular benevolence. All I can do, therefore, is to record a new check to religion in Belgium. Several representatives of German authority do not, I fear, appreciate at its full value the importance at tached by the Catholic conscience to confession. Otherwise tney would not obstinately refuse us the sanction so licited by us already so often, both by word of mouth and in writing, to send to our prisoners detained in Ger many a few priests speaking their language and to whom they could with full freedom open their con sciences. Will you kindly reflect a moment, sir, thai for eight months thousands of Belgians, solely because they have served their country witli honor, are confronted with the moral impossi bility of setting their consciences at rest? Catholic confession reaches the Inmost recesses of the soul, and the 'JCl limit uliiwi 11.1 0 yy 10 1 1 1 1 1 G HVUWU I It exacts, humiliating enougn as It is, I involuntarily or not, to be made to a man who reminds his penitent of the power of the oppressor, the responsi ble author of his captivity. i Is that humane? Is that Christian? I What then has poor Belgium done to Germany to be tortured on its own j soil, to have its property destroyed, I and the lives of its most inoffensive ! sons cruelly sacrificed: and nof final ly to be tortured in the consciences of those whose patriotism has borne them into exile and imprisonment? And yet the general headquarters cannot allege any "necessity of war" for refusing our prisoners the free exercise of their religion. If it exacts tnat the German chap lains should be replaced by priests from a neutral country, Holland has promised to supply them. Even if it exacts that these priests should have no communication with the outer world, Belgian priests will carry charity to the point of heroism, and declare that they are ready to share the internment of their fellow countrymen till the day of general liberation cornea. Can one reasonably ask for mora? Will your excellency kindly make a new endeavor to obtain for pris oners of war in Germany the liberty of- practicing their religious faith without super-human efforts? Your excellency has had the kind ness to allow the imprisoned priests to celebrate mass; this la a mark of signal benevolence on your part for which I am exceedingly grateful and a thing which all the priests inter ested will highly value. Lastly, will your excellency please consider that the Belgians arrested in Belgium by the German authorities are not "ordinary criminals," but for the most part citizens beyond re proach victims f what by the pris oner is called "patriotism" and by the detaining power "the inevitable laws of war?" Will you spare them in the name ef humanity, all unnec essary severity and authorize the ac cused after they have been examined, to receive a visit from a chaplain who possesses their confidence and, with that; -the means of consoling them of the upholding . of their moral strength and every time the prisoners express the wish, of hear ing their confessions? Accept, sir, the expression of my sincere esteem. (Signed) D. J. CARDINAL MERCIER, Archbishop of Malines. Governor-General of Belgium, Brus sels, May 19, 1915. To His Eminence Cardinal Mercier, Archbishop of Ma lines. Relative to the decisions which on two different occasions I have been led to take regarding the desires manifested by your - eminence con cerning the religious Interests of your diocese, you have risen up in wrath against me, employing offen sive expressions in my regard and accusations which I resent as unjus tified. It has thus been impossible for me to offer any definite defense. , I shall at last find myself compelled to refuse to have for the future writ ten or unwritten relations with your eminence or to take into considera tion; requests possibly justifiable un less your eminence employs toward me in the language used the courtesy which I have the right to exact. Up to the present I have forced myseir, in ample measure, to make allowance in religious matters, as in others, for the situation created by the particular circumstances in which we find ourselves. But I must pro test against the way- in which your eminence finds pretexts to enter into conflict with me in my character of representative of his majesty the em peror, my supreme chief. I offer te your eminence the "as surance of my sincere esteem and I have the honor to be your devoted servant. Signed. BARON VON BISSING, Major-General. In bringing this letter to a close Cardinal Mercier cited a recent out rage by the German troops. In which they had wantonly interfered with a solemn religious service. He wrot6 as follows: On Monday, May 84th, In Whitaun week at 10 A. M.--in accordance with an old standing tradition, a procession took plaee at Malines. The procession had been authorized by the krelschef of Malines, M. Jochmus. At the moment when this procession of devout faithful, which was in every sense of a religious nature and was presided over by his lordship Mgr. Legraive, auxiliary bishop of the dio cese, was making its way round the Grand place, a German military band broke through the procession and cre ated a great din S they passed by the side of the bishop, who was car rying the blessed sacrament. Happily, the clergy and the crowd were able to restrain their indigna tion. Nevertheless, their Innermost feelings were deeply pained. (To be continued.) Only 8 Shopping Days Until Christmas Plan to Do Your Buying Early in the Day HOTEL INTERESTS SOLD Pasadena Capitalist Obtains Con trol of Three Enterprises, PASADENA, Cal.. Dec. 15. An. nouncement was made here today by J. B. Coulston, a local capitalist, that he and a group of associates had suc ceeded D. M. Llnnard in the control Double Trading Stamps With All Charge or Cash Purchases AMERICAN RED CROSS Tiding Stamps Represent a Direc t Cash Saving on the Money You Spend Filled Books Redeemed on 3d Floor 'Red Cross Seals t I health an da (x) VL HAPPY NEW YEARVi may be pur chased at aisle booth near the stairway on Main Floor, Put them on your parcels. The Standard Store of the Northwest Olds, Wortman S? King Reliable Merchandise Reliable Methods SrECIAL OF HOOVER AND ELECTRIC CLEANERS Merchandise Bonds Glove Orders issued for any amount. Buy an OWE Merchandise Bond or Glove Order and let the one you wish to remember do his or her own choosing. For sale on the First Floor. Let This Store Help You Solve the Headquarters for Men's, Women's and Children's Christmas Slippers Gift Santa Claus In Toyland every day from 10 to 12 and 2 to 5. Let the children come in and see him or better still come with them. You will enjoy the sights fully as much as the youngsters. If you have gifts to buy we suggest you choose at once and not wait until lines are depleted. Having placed our orders much earlier than usual we are in posi tion to supply our customers with many different styles in Slippers that are decidedly scarce. If you have Slippers on your list come in and let us show you our splendid stock. Slippers may be exchanged for size after Christmas. Double Stamps, charge or cash purchases. Make Your Selections Now Men's Soft Leather Slippers Romeo, Opera, Everett styles $3.98 Men's Felt Slippers in Romeo, Opera and Everett styles $2.25, $.'l Men's Cavalier Boots of brown kid, high cut, with collar, pair $7.50 Men's Fine Quality Kid Slippers in popular styles, a pair $4.48 Women's Siesta Slippers ribbon and braid trimmed, pair $2.2. Women's Siesta Slippers trimmed with plush special pair $1.08 Glove Silk Camisoles Special $1.98 Bargain Circle 1st Floor You will hubs a really wonderful bargain if you fail to take advantage of this offering. Beautiful Glove Silk Camisoles in dainty styles trimmed with deep lace yokes and ribbon shoulder straps. Put up in a Christmas box, one of these QQ would make a splendid gift. Flesh color only. Special at wAaC7 Women's Silk Hosiery A f QQ Pfl we are featuring a spe rl 000J cial line of Women's All Silk Hose in the very best quality obtain able at the price. Celebrated "Gold Medal" make, noted for beauty of finish and superior quality. All wanted colors. Ai. (PC (in and $5J50 you may TVL DOJJ choose from a splendid pew stock of Women's Fancy Hose silks " and silk with lisle top. Lace effects and embroidered designs. Variety of colors. Double n i stamps e Several very attractive styles in this lot. Braided, beaded, em broidered and tucked Qj OQ effects. In Gift Sale at O.O Women's Waists At $4.78 Second Floor High-class Waists of Georgette crepe in flesh, white and a few good desirable shades. Many beautiful styles trimmed with beading or em- Q JQ broidered. Gift special O Dainty Silk Underwear For HER Xmas Gift Camisoles of dark blue or red silks for wear with dark waists. Prices : range $2.75 to $4.50 Crepe da Chine or Wash Satin Bloomers priced $3.08 to $6.08 For the intimate gift nothing would please her more than dainty silk un dergarment. Here are a few timely suggestions: Envelope Chemise of crepe de chine in flesh or white. $3.08 to $15.08 Crepe de Chine or Wash able Satin Night Gowns in white or flesh. Priced at from $5.08 to $23.50 Pajamas of crepe de chine or washable satin. Billie Burke or two piece styles. Priced at $6.08 to $32.50 Camisoles $l,35-$3.98 Philippine Hand-Embroidered Night Gowns at $3.50 to $0.50 Philippine Hand - Embroidered Envelope Chemise $3.50-$6.08 Straight Chemise $2.50-6.08 Gift Ivory In Great Variety Main Floor Imitation Ivory Toilet Articles and Novelties of various kinds suitable for Christmas gift3 here in the largest assortment in city. Mirrors $4, $4.50, to $16.50 Hair Brushes $1.50, $3, to $15 Combs at 5()f, ToC, $1 to $2.25 Puff Boxes 75cS $1, $1.50 to $6 Hair Receivers 75?, $1 to $6.50 Cloth Brushes $4.50 up to $6.50 Hat Brushes $2, $2.50 to $3.25 Nail Brushes $1, $1.25 up to $2 Jewel Boxes $2.50 up to $6.50 Pin Cushions $3, $3.50 to $6.00 Trays at 25?, 50?, $2 to $7.50 Buffers $1, $1.25 up to $3.50 Nail Files 35?, 85, $1, $1.50 Button Hooks 35?, 85? to $1.50 Cuticle Knives 35?, $1 to $1.50 Soap Boxes 25?, 35?, 50?, $1 Cream Jars 50?. $1, to $2.50 Picture Frames 25, 50? to $6 Perfume Bottles 85?, $1 to $6 Talcum Holders 75?, $1, $2.50 Linen the Ideal Gift A Few Suggestions Richardson's Pattern Cloths with Napkins to match Madeira Tea Cloths and Madeira Centerpieces in beautiful embroidered patterns. Hemstitched Tea Cloths of pure linen sise 34x34 inches priced at only $4.50 Size 36x36 inches priced at $6.50 Scalloped Tea Napkins, fine pure' linen. Priced special, dozen $5.00 Japanese Table Cloths of the very best quality at $2.50, $3.50, $4.50 Napkins at $2.50 a dozen. Pillow Cases and Sheets Embroidered and Hemstitched Pil-. low Cases.splendid for gift C"1 CO giving; priced a pair, only D-LtJU Hemstitched Ca6es 55? and 60? Hemstitched Sheets priced $2.55 -Colored Bed Spreads in good large size. Extra quality. Priced $8.50 H-- ,1)11 mm? 5 Days' Sale of Waists All Waists at Special Prices Choose any Women's Waist or Blouse in the Garment Store, Second Floor, the balance of this week at a substantial reduction in price. An excellent opportunity for those who plan giving Waists for Christ mas to buy at a good saving. Double Trading Stamps with purchases. Women's Waists At $4.28 Second Floor Women's Waists of fine quality Georgette crepe. Women's Waists At $6.48 Second Floor This group con tains a large number of smart models made up in Georgette crepe and crepe de chine. Beaded, braided and embroid- J? A Q ered. Extra values; at OOatO Women's Waists At $8.98 Second Floor Dressy and tai lored Waists of Georgette crepe and satin. Some have fancy ves tee fronts. Waists formerly sell ing at much higher QQ QQ prices. All sizes now 300 Sale of Fine Blouses Second Floor Blouses and Waists of heavy "Georgette crepe and crepe de chine in tan, taupe, navy, brown, scarlet, copen and black. Exquisite models for gift giving. Regular $16.50 Waists $12.38 Regular $20.00 Waists $15.00 Regular f 22.50 Waists $16.87 $29.50 Blouses at only $22.13 $38.50 Blouses at only $28.87 $39.75 Blouses at only $20.82 $45.00 Blouses at only $33.75 Problem Appropriate Gifts for MEN MEN'S MUFFLERS in an im mense range of new patterns and colors. Silk, fiber silk, wool and cotton $1.50 up to S7.50 MEN'S DRESS GLOVES of reliable makes $3.00 to $6.00 SILK HANDKERCHIEFS in a great variety of fancy pat terns and colors priced at 65? Men's Silk Pajamas in beauti ful colorings. $5.00 to $15.00 Large selection of New Silk Shirts in smartest patterns. Prices range $7.50 to $15.00 Men's Wool Shirts with at tached collars. $5.50, $6.50 Men's Sweaters in all popular styles priced $5 to $16.50 Men's Wool Knit Vests in light weight. Priced at $7.50 Men's Silk Hose $1 to $2 pr. Men's Union Suits in Carter, Vassar and . other good makes. Prices range $2 up to $16.50 Sale of Plush Scarfs Main Floor Our entire stock of Women's and Misses' Plush Scarfs in Neckwear Dept., First Floor, at i off the regular prices. These are especially de sirable for gift giving. Beautiful Hudson seal and other plushes all are silk lined and rich, lus trous finish. Several styles. SALE PRICES $ 6.50 Plush Scarfs $ $ 9.50 Plush Scarfs $ $11.00 Plush Scarfs S $12.00 Plush Scarfs $ $14.50 Plush Scarfs $16.50 Plush Scarfs $19.50 Plush Scarfs $22.50 Plush Scarfs $27.50 Plush Scarfs $35.00 Plush Scarfs 4.87 $ 7.13 $ 8.25 $ 0.00 $10.88 $12.37 $14.63 $16.88 $20.12 $26.25 PL Royal Bengal Ru -The Home Gift! f3 M O Rugs, eize 2:5x4:6 at $21.00 Rugs, size 3:2x5:6 at $37.00 Rugs, size 4x7-ft. at $47.00 Rugs, size 6x9-ft. Rugs, size SxlO-ft. at $150.00 Rugs, size 9xl2-ft. at $165.00 Double Stamps With All Purchases of the Maryland, Huntington and Green hotels here, -although Mr. Lin-, nard would retain a Btock Interest Mr. Llnnard retains the Palace and Fairmont hotels of San Francisco. Mr. Llnnard recently disposed of hla Interest In another group of hotels, including the Ambassador of Atlantic City, the Alexandria and the New California at Los Angeles, and others in he midwest, 910,000 Suit Is Amended. VANCOUVER. Wash, Dec 15. (Special.)- -In an amended complaint filed here today In the $10,000 suit of Roy Davis, Ridgefield pool hall and confectionery store operator, against Sam Funkhouser, J5000 is asked for alleged defamation of char acter and n additional $5000 for al leged damage to complaint alleged his business. The that the defendant cironlated damaging statements against Mr. Davis. Ladles Read page R. Adv. M. Sichel's adv. on K Why docs Butter Nut Bread Yif 1 keepits freshness so long ? f ill 'Butter Nut bread does stay fresh longer' I I t : than ordinary breads do. Because of its - ; III til ne exture ETain and air tight wrapper, I I A HI I it retains the moisture for a longer period I I U.. S. BAKERY 1 lli 111 iTk"1 reson 11 1m ir: M. J. Walsh Electric Co. 106 Fourth St., Bet. Washington and Stark Lighting: Fixtures and Everything Electrical Gifts- That Are Really Worth While We Do Wiring Main 174' If you are going to make a present, why not select something -that pos sesses an element of lasting joy? We suggest the following list: Electric Cooking Utensils Electric Heaters Electric Washers Electric Sewing Machines Light Fixtures for Living Room Light Fixtures for Dining Room Electric Vacuum Cleaner Floor or Table Lamp We are CLOSING OUT our entire stock of Coal and Wood Grates, Fire Sets and Spark Guards at Cost A good time to equip your fireplace. Are you thinking about choosing something useful this Christmas? If so, let us suggest one of these beautiful rugs. The finest reproductions of Oriental patterns and colorings. We have just received a new shipment of these and would be pleased , to have you come in and see them at your earli est conveni ;nce. Rug Department rhird Floor. at .$90.00 . ' 1 j - J - . t - t . - -i f . -T- -m' f-.- u.i r-w-.-." . . 1 . . r- ; - - ....... . . I . " " I ' ' ' 11 I 433 Reasons Why you should have your eyes tested by me. There is no pain in my . Sight Testing, For I use no drugs or drops, but employ the latest scientific methods of sight testing. My rooms are private and the actual Sight Testing is most interesting to the patient, and not in any way inconvenient. Many know this, but those who imagine a visit to my office is as much to be feared as a visit to the den tist, are quite mistaken, for your .bx.L!S are not touched in any way by my method. I will test your sight and ad vise you as to the needs of your case. My Perfect -Fitting uiasses wm please and sat isfy you. DR. WHEAT Eyesight Specialist Second Floor Morgan Clde. Entrance on Washington St.