Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 November 1919 — KING BIDS FAREWELL TO U. S. [ARTICLE]

KING BIDS FAREWELL TO U. S.

Coming for Another Visit, He Says, m Vessel Salls. Old Point Comfort, V«., Nov. 1. —Ths last official act of King Albert of Belgium, as the transport George Washington was steaming down the bay, bearing the Belgian royal party homeward bound after a 30-day tour of the United States, was to send a message to President Wilson. He 'bad dictated messages Just before the vessel sailed to the navy, the anmy and the American people. King Albert stood on the bridge of the transport with his wife and son, gazing shoreward, as the big vessel steadied slowly down the bay escorted by battleships and destroyers and with the royal standard of Belgium fluttering from the masthead. The king and his party, accompanied by Secretary Lansing of the state department, and Assistant Secretary Breckinridge Long, who has been with the party throughout its tom* of the United States, and Secretary Daniels of the navy department, arrived at Fortress Monroe on a special train from Washington. There and later at Portsmouth the king was warmly greeted by state and local officials and the crowds which gathered to receive biuni.

The messages to the American people and the expeditionary force and the navy follow: ‘‘To the American people: “On leaving the United States we would like, the queen and I, to thank once more with all our hearts, the American people for the splendid reception they have given <us. “We were especially delighted by the warm greetings that welcomed us everywhere and very much touchd by the spontaneous affections of the youth of your country?‘We think with gratitude amd emotion of the sympathies wnlch the name of Belgium has evoked in all parts of the immense territories that we have visited. “We bear away with us a lively admiration for the genius so varied and resourceful of the American •people. ALBERT.” "To all members of the American expeditionary force and to all the members of the navy who have been wounded in Europe for the allied cause, I wish to extend once mole imy warmest sympathy and appreciation. I thunk them again in the name of the Belgian nation for their Immense services. “ALBERT.’’ The following message was sent by radio to President Wilson:

"The moment of departure has come, and it is with great regret that I leave the hospitable stores of America. I am glad, however, to have had the. great pleasure of seeing you, and it is corthforting to me to feel that you will soon be in full health and vigor and able to continue your great work. “The queen and I will never forget the cordiality of the welcome extended to us by the people as well as by the government of the United States. “I assure you once more of my highest regard and friendship. , , “ALBERT.” The king expressed the hope that it would not be long before he could visit American again. It was learned that he and queem hope to com* here unofficially and travel incognito. ' Queen Elizabeth declared she enjoyed more than anything in her life her tour of the United States, and tfhe denied with a smile, that she was weary. Prince Leopold is hopeful of coming here to school, but his father remarked that he still had three years in the Belgian (military academy before him.