Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/331

 1899.] Belgium. — Electoral Reform. [323

and Minister of Finance, M. de Smet de Naeyer, and his col- league, M. Nyssens, Minister of the Interior, refused to recognise the right of the King's intervention, and at once .resigned (Jan. 23). Their places, however, were promptly filled by MM. Liebaert and Cooreman ; the actual Minister for Bailways, M. Vandenpeereboom taking the presidency of the Council. He was not, however, destined to long occupy the post, for his authority was persistently disregarded by the Opposition, and little appreciated by the majority. The former caused the whole kingdom to be placarded with an appeal to their countrymen against the blow levelled at parliamentary privilege and insti- tutions ; the latter were indignant that the new Prime Minister was more disposed to follow than to lead, inviting his sup- porters in groups of fifteen to discuss with him privately the state of affairs, instead of insisting upon his own views.

Outside Parliament the Socialist agitation was daily gaining strength, and on more than one occasion threatened public order. The opening of the Maison du Peuple at Brussels on Easter Day (April 5) gave occasion for a grand review of the strength of the party for the benefit of the assembled French and German Socialists, whilst strikes and lock-outs kept up the combative spirit of all enemies of the Government and bore witness to their strength. For the first time since 1848 the streets were more powerful than the law.

The debates on the Electoral Bill brought forward by the Ministry (June 11) gave rise to a number of tumultuous and disgraceful scenes, so often repeated as to give point and significance to M. de Lantsheere's jibe that parliamentary bankruptcy was at hand. The noise and disorder had risen to such a pitch that on one occasion (June 27) the sitting was summarily suspended, but only with the result that on. the following day certain deputies came armed with horns, ^ whistles, sirens and all the hideous paraphernalia with which cyclists alarm timid wayfarers in the open air. The Socialists formed themselves into a solid group and marched upon the Ministerial bench, especially selecting M. Vandenpeereboom for attack. At the same time instructions were given to the Socialist group to attend every official ceremony at which the King's presence was notified, and to exert themselves to bring about a hostile demonstration. It was at this moment that King Leopold II. had promised to distribute the prizes of the Agricultural Show. The road from the palace was lined by Socialists and their friends, shouting for universal suffrage and hooting the cardboard king, who wisely decided not to face their cries. This disappointment only still more irritated the mob, which as the evening advanced became more unruly, and rendered the streets impassable. The gendarmerie was called out to maintain order, and after many efforts to induce the crowd to disperse shots were fired and several persons were killed and many more injured. The Ministry had to

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