The San Antonio Light (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 339, No. 337, Ed. 1 Monday, December 22, 1919 Page: 4 of 18
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4
MERCIER PLEADS FOR CLERGY
CONFINED IN DIRTY CELLS
FOR AIDING COUNTRYMEN
Cardinal Informs German Governor Genera! of Con-
ditions Under Which Priests Are Held But Does
Not Always Succeed in Helping Them.
W of liberty help* others to be free and my country to be free.”
Mo Mid a Belgian priest who had been condemned to two years' imprison-
ment for aiding to get y<«ung compatriots of military age out of the country to
Jota King Albcl’a army.
Ills attitude wax typical of the position taken by hundreds of patriotic ec-
cleaiawtK - Inevitably the cardinal sympathized deeply with their courageous
efforts. He could not regard their "ofteusc as the war treason'' which the
German* termed it and he repeatedly insisted in his letters to the governor gen-
eral that the prospective soldiers who got away were too few in number to
constitute a formidable menace to the kaiser's great military machine.
lie kecuh spprcciateU that these youths and the priests and others who
aided them were responding to a moral obligation. Every one nmetraed in
these perilous affairs realized that the escape of all the available young men
would not determine the ccurse of the war.
During the first winter of the struggle once the adventurous trip to the
boundary was made escape across the frontier was comparatively easy. A
few francs sufficed to bribe a sentinel. Naturally however the price soon
went up. So did the lethal fences of charged wire which rose higher and
higher on the line between occupied Belgium and Holland. At the time when
Fathers bevmye and Van Nylen were arrested most of the venal sentries had
been replaced. The frontier wires were strengthened and it was exceedingly
difficult to succeed in cutting them or to insure insulation by wrapping rubber
blankets about them.
Thirty-four thousand young Belgians found their way out of the country
in the winter of 1914-1915 and joined the army ou the Yser. But that record
was unique. Later on the patrons of the "underground railway” were counted
in hundreds.
Cardinal Merciers Story
Including hi correspondence with the German authorities in Belgium
during the war 1914 to 1918 edited by Prof Fernand Mayenee of
Louvain University and translated by the Benedictine Monks of St.
Augustine's Ramsgate England.
The medical bulletin signed by Dr.
Grooe affirmed that Father Devroye
was in good health and capable of en-
during prison life.
This report of the Kreiscbef's is just
as inaccurate as that which the gover-
nor general sent previously about the
conditions under which Father Van
Nylen was interned.
The cardinal was authorised to visit
Father Devrove. They were ashamed
to take him to the prisoner's cell as
he had nevertheless been done a few
days previously for Father Thibaut pro-
vincial of the Society of Jesus. The
interview took place in a hall of the
barracks which served as a chapel.
Father Devrove did not remain stand-
ing for three-quarters of an hour before
an open window as the Kreischef as-
serted : but the prisoner and his vis-
itor sat an a common bench without a
back which happened to be near at
hand.
Far from refusing a scarf Father
I>evrove accepted eagerly everything
that could protect him from the cold
for the fire in the corridor only served
to warm the sentry.
It is ironical to say that the father
sent back a blanket because he had
too many. The Kreischef. no donbt.
means the filthy rag which the father
waa obliged to make the best of for
the first night and which was replaced
Today was certainly a wonderful day in the Basement. It was even beyond our expectations—it was literally thronged with people buying these wonder-
ful coats that we have had shipped on consignment and are therefore able to give such remarkable values. A new Coat Dress or Suit for your Christmas is
the slogan of the Economy Basement and we have the prices that make it possible for you to have one.
Remember that Wednesday is the last day of these unusual prices and if the garments are not sold by then they will go back to the manufacturer.
A SALE FOR CHILDREN
Gingham Dresses
Of splendid quality gingham in
the newest plaid dress effects for
children from 2 -to 14 years. Very
substantially made and' attractively
trimmed. The most desirable dress
for school wear. Grouped in six
lots as follows:
$1.50 Values for 95c Each
$1.75 Values for $1.19 Each
$2.00 Values for $1.29 Each
$2.50 Values for $1.45 Each
$3.00 Values for $1.95 Each
$3.50 Values for $2.10 Each
Rubber Raincoats
Of lightweight non-cricking wa-
ter-proof material using the finest
quality rubber in the construction
these rubber raincoats make one of
the most useful gifts one could give
to a child. There are beautiful ef-
fects shown in solid colors and
plaids. Sizes from 6to 15 years of
age. And they are put un in Holly
Boxes too. Values of $7.50 for
$4.75 each.
subsequently with blankets sent to him
from the residency.
A- regards the lamp it never existed
save in the imagination of the Kreis-
Hief. Father Devrove had to find the
light himself with a few candles he bad
managed to procure.
The walls of the cell says the report
were white-washed with lime. It would
have been more exact to say that they
“had been white-washed with lime" for
the white color was entirely hidden by
dust and spiders’ webs.
“Profane Audience."
The cardinal in acknowledging the
report set it down at its true value:
Archbishop's House. Malines.
November 12th. 1915.
To His Excellency Baron von Biasing.
Governor General. Brussels i
Sir—Yesterday afternoon I received
the letter dated November 10th in which
your excellency tries to reassure m’
about th» health of Father Devrove and
the conditions under which he is im-
prisoned.
The Kreischef Jochmus's report en-
closed with your excellency’s letter con-
tains several points which call for re-
mark. I noted nt the first time of read-
ing certain inaccuracies on which I hare
on other occasiona passed comment.
Would your excellency like a speci-
men’
It is said that during our interview
I PAY CASH I
I AND SAVE I
I OVER-HEAD I
| AND OFFICE I
I EOPm |
Newest Style Suits Coats and Dresses
lasting three-quarters of an hour which
your excellency was kind enough to
grant me with Father Devroye the
latter was standing in front of au open
window: "dass er bei mlt dem kardiual
gefuehrten I'nterredung dreiviertal
j Ktd. lang am offenen Fenster gestauden
hat" (during his-interview with the
I cardinal he remained standing for
three-quarters hour before an open win-
| doW. (
In this case at all events I can speak
from personal knowledge. During that
three-quarters of an hour Father Dev-
roye was seated ou my left in a closed
room.
Father Van Duerm who accompanied
me on this visit is ready to confirm my
statement.
The room where we held our meeting
was that in which the father had been
able to say mass that morning. The
windows of this room look onto a
public square and we were able as we
wont in and out to perceive five or six
soldiers conversing together.
Is It for a moment to be admitted
that in an intimate conversation with
a relative and a friend we should have
czehanged confidences near an open
w indow within earshot of au undiscern-
ing and profane audience?
I thank your excellency for the re-
laxation you have granted in the treat-
ment of Fathers Devroye and Mertons
and beg you to accept the assurance of
iny sincere esteem.
(Signed.!
D. J. CARDINAL MERCIER.
Archbishop of Malines.
Partial Reprieve Granted.
After the condemnation of Fathers
Devroye and Van Nylen Von Dissing
told his eminence that he could not
make use of his right of reprieve in the i
case of Father Van Nylen but that he
granted to Father Devroye a partial re-
prieve :
Governor General's Office Brussels.
1 lib. T. L No. 7465. Nov. 13th 1915.
To His Eminence Cardinal Mercier
Archbishop of Malines.
As regards the sentences passed in
due legal manner on Father Rector
Devnye and Father Van Nylen. I have
the honor to commuificate the follow-
ing:
Father Dcvroyc has been sentenced iu
the first place to a rear’s imprisonment
for having abetted the e*«-ape fjom Bel-
gium without the necessary anthori-
zation of a young Belgian George
Wahls age 17. and. secondly to three
mouths' imprisonment for having as
director of an educatk tai establishment
organized in his classes during the w
cupatiou anti-German propaganda. Con-
sidering however that in the Wahis af-
fair the accusation was grounded on
the assertions of a young man. and that
the latter in the course of the various
jud <nl examinations he had to undergo
made statements somewhat vague and
of a contradict ry charact'-r. and that
in consequence the guilt of Father Dev-
roye cannot be proved with any certi-
tude I agree .on this ground to remit
the p nalty' to which tiie accuser! has
been sentenced. On the other hand it
has tor proved beyond doubt that
Fatbei Devroye organized in the cdu-
cnthnal establishment confided to his
care anti-German propaganda.* Sim-
ilar acts within the reach of a pro-
fessor who can exercise influence over
youths appear to me altogether of a
nature to favor the spread of views
which in the interests of the defence
of the realm cannot be tolerhted in oc-
cupied territory. To my great regret.
I cannot alter the penalty inflicted
on Father Devroye under this head.
Again as regards Father Van Nylen
I ^heWOLFF € MARX COMPANY I
ECONOMY BA/EM ENT
' 4
I FOR ALL THE PEOPLE I
Woolen Wraps
Of Broadcloth Pom Pom Chin-
chilla Velour etc. and all are new
beautiful effects in Capes and
Coats. The material is all wool and
trimmed very attractively and the
models are the newest styles to be
had in children’s wraps. They are
grouped in three lots—
Values of $12.50 for $ 8.75 Each
Values of $20.00 for $12.75 Each
Values of $25.00 for $14.7$ Each
Middy Dresses
Extra special lot of Serge and
Corduroy Dresses for (Children from
2 to 14 years of age. The lot is
of real winter weight material and
will wear unusually well. A great
variety of colors and styles are
shown but this being a collection
of broken lots we haven’t all sizes
in all colors and styles hence the
very low price. There are values
to $7.50 and to clean out the lot
we offer them for $2.95 each.
THE SAN ANTONIO LIGHT.
the facta of which he is accused were
fully established during the trial and
his guilt proved to a certainty. 1 am
sorry not to have been ahle up to now
to make use of my right of granting
him a reprieve. Your devoted servant
(Signed.) BARON VON RISING
Major General and Governor General.
•Note—the pretext for bringing this
accusation against Father Devroye was
that the German detectives during their
official visit of the premises of St.
Michael's College came upon some ex-
ercises done by the pupils which they
had illustrated with French and English
flags.
The cardinal thanked Von Bissing as
follows:
Archbishop's House Malines.
November 17th 1915.
To His Excellency Karon von Bissing
Governor General. Brussels:
Sir—The letter with which your ex-
cellency has honored me dated Novem-
ber 13th brings me the news that
Father Itevroye has been granted a par-
tial reprieve. I am glad of this g'"“l
news and am deeply grateful to your
excellency for it.
At the end of your letter your ex-
cellency says that you have not as yet
been able to make use of your pre-
rogative in favor of Father Van Nylen.
The remark “not as yet” leaves room
for hope.
I’lease accept sir the assurance of
niy sincere esteem.
(Signed.)
D. J. CARDINAL MERCIER
Archbishop of Malines.
The cardinal had already intervened
in favor of Father Mertens S.J. ar-
rested on the charge of having abetted
i Belgians of military age in passing the
frontier. Von Biasing according to the
promise he made in his letter of Novem-
ber 10th communicated to his emin-
ence the report of Luebbert Kreischef
of Louvain on the conditions of the
said prisoner's internment:
Governor General of Belgium. Brussels.
P. N. 21726. November 24th 1915.
To His Eminence Cardinal Mercier
Archbishop of Malines:
I have the honor to send your emin-
ence herewith a copy of the Kreischef of
Luivain's report regarding the condi-
tion of Father Merten's internment who
is detained on suspicion in the prison
of this town. 1 am also sending you
under the same cover a copy of the
result of a medical examination of his
state of health.
At the same time. I take the liberty
of informing you (hat I have drawn up
the scheme of an order whoso purpose
is to secure for priests detained on sus-
picion conditions consonant with their
rank. Nevertheless I would observe
that in small places we often lack for
prisoners awaiting trial such suitable
nuarters as I certainly desire and as
I shall do my best to secure.
I should be exceedingly glad if in
future I were spared the duty of hav-
ing to arrest priests on the charge of
haring infringed existing laws and my
decrees.
I offer your eminence the expression
of my sincere esteem and have the honor
to be your devoted servant.
(Signed.) BARON VON RISING.
Major General.
Copy of the Kreischef of Louvain's
report enclosed with the preceding let-
ter:
NOTICE!
Kreiaant of Louvain.
Louvain 9th November. 1015.
The priest Mertens has been arrested
at the request of the criminal police and I
is detained on suspicion since the 3d in-1
Continuing the Sale of
The Coats with materials of pure wool Ve-
lours Pom Pom Broadcloth Chinchilla etc. made
attractively into models with belts held with a
dainty buckle in the back or having spme small
conventional design of pleats or braid bordered
with buttons. The styles are of the very newest
in all colors imaginable and in all sizes.
Values of $20.00 to $30.00 to sell for $14.75
Values of $30.00 to $40.00 to sell for $21.75
Three Lots of Wonderful Dresses
Fashioned from the finest of woolens in such popular
weaves as French Serge Jersey Tricotine Poplin and
Crash and Silks in lustrous Satins Georgette and soft Trico-
tine. Trimmed with effective vestees collars and cuffs
showing buttons pleats novel pockets braiding and em-
broidery.
Fashionable Dresses worth to $20.00 are $lO.OO
Fashionable Dresses worth to $35.00 are $15.00
Fashionable Dresses worth to $50.00 are $20.00
Istant in a dungeon at the infantry bar-
racks. He is under grave suspicion of
having obtained recruits for the enemy
army among Belgians of military age.
He is lodged in a cell that no one
can complain of. He has a woolen
mattress blankets and a pillow. He en-
joys all the liberty allowed prisoners
awaiting trial. He has leave to order
his own meals to read and to write;
he may walk in the yard for an hour in
the morning and an hour in the after-
noon; his cell is lighted and he has a
tabi* and a chair at his disposal.
To my question whether he bad any
complaints to make or whether he was
ill he answered me “No." He has never
complained of ill-usage.
The medical certificate regarding
Father Mertens' state of health is en-
closed with this letter. '
(Signed.) LUEBBERT
Colonel and Kreischef.
The medical certificate testified that
Father Mertens' health was good enough
to allow him to undergo prison regime.
The rc|>ort signed by the Kreischef
from the point of view of inaccuracy
yields in nothing to the report addressed
to the governor general by the Kreischef
of Mechlin and which we have treated
; of above.
The <-vll “which no one could com-
plain of." as Father Mertens tells us
was in reality a dungeon reserved for
drunkards and insubordinate soldiers. A
Belgian soldier could not lodge there
for more than three days without special
permission from superior authority.
Father Mertens stayed there 30 days.
The dungeon had become a veritable
dog-hole. It recked with a nauseous
smell and the floor was so dirty that
it was impossible to make out the color
of the flags. No means of heating; no
windows not even bull's-eyes. The air
and light only penetrated this hovel
through cracks in the ceilings made of
iron beams.
This so-called woolen mattress was
a finger's breadth in thickness and as
hard as the plank on which it rested.
For covering a filthy stained rag: for
pillow a beam. For nourishment the
prisoner received three times a day some
bad bread and a kind of black broth
as little appetizing as possible.
Luebbert. the Kreischef. paid a visit
to Father Mertens. He wns indignant
at the way the prisoner was ^treated
saying that it was not right to*subject
a priest to so humiliating a regime.
He allowed a pillow to be brought him.
a traveling rug and to receive regularly
the food supplied by the College of Lou-
vain. Luebbert always showed himself
well-disposed toward Father Mertens.
He was. moreover according to all the'
Belgians who had any dealings with
him. a just and a loyal man. For this
reason Father Mortens thinks that the
report addressed to the governor general
was drawn up by the police and that
the Freischef must have signed it with-
out even taking the trouble to read it.
The cardinal always hoping that the
good intentions which Von Bissing
seemed to show would end by having
some good effect thanked him for the
steps he had taken to better the treat-
ment of priests detained in prison :
Archbishop's House. Malines.
November 28th. 1915.
To His Excellency Baron von Bissing.
Governor General. Brussels:
Sir—l have the honor to acknowledge
your excellency's letter No. 21726 con-
cerning Father Mertens' detention.
I am particularly obliged to your ex-
cellency for the arrangements you have
ordered to be made so that ecclesiastics
imprisoned under suspicion may receive
the treatment due to their dignity. May
I express the wish that all persona un-
der suspicion lay as well as ecclesiastic
should reap the benefit of your good
will? From the judicial standpoint in-
deed. the situation is exactly the same.
They have not been found guilty and
therefore should not be treated as
such.
Accept sir the assurance of my sin-
cere esteem.
(Signed.)
D. J. CARDINAL MERCIER
Archbishop of Malines.
Archbishop'! House Malines.
December 9th 1015.
To His Excellency Baron von Bissing
Governor General Brussels:
Sir—l thank your excellency with all
my heart for the promise you made me
in your letter of December 4th —No.
224S9*—that in future imprisoned
priests either awaiting their trial or ac-
tually interned shall be treated as be-
comes their dignity.
If I have pressed your excellency to
obtain for laymen also during the period
of investigation prior to their trial the
benefit of a milder regime it Is not
because I want to enter upon a discus-
sion of thia matter with your excellen-
cy but simply for the reason that
equitv and charity urge me to make an
nppeal to the prerogative whicli I
should like to share with your excel-
Good Health
More Than
Skin Deep
To Look Well and Bo Attrac-
tive Men and Woman Must
eßally Be Well and Feel
Well
Good Health Is Happiness
Poor Health Often Traced to
Thin Watery Blood.
Pepto-Mangan En-
riches the Blood.
Good blood is the source of good
health. Men and women with thin
waterv blood deficient in red cells can-
not conceal the fact that they are not
well. The eyes lose their sparkle the
face becomes haggard and drawn the
step loses its elasticity the whole
system seems to "slump" —and they
feel miserable most of the time.
Each year thousands of men women
and children with .run-down worn-out
bodies anemia or any form of illness
caused by poor blood. find that a few
weeks of Pepto-Mangan restores them I
t ofhe full-blooded vigorous energetic
class and that they become infinitely I
more attractive and happy.
epto-Mangan isP put up in both >
liquid and tablet form—Wh contain ’
the same medicinal strength and value.
The goodness and safeness of Pepto-
Mangan is so well known that no one
with a run-down system need hesitate
in taking it.
When you ask the dru-wlst for Pep-
to-Mangan be sure to ask for “Gude’s” ।
Be sure the name "Gude's” i« on the
package. Without the name “Gude's” |
It is not Pepto-Mangan.
Four Groups of Remarkable Suits
The selection affords you the choice of the finest Woolen Serges
Broadcloth Tricotine Velours Whipcords Poplin and Novelty Fabrics.
The colors are Fashion’s own decree for the prevailing Reason while the
numerous style ideas show the employment of novel pockets buttons
braid pleats belts and other touches of the style artist. Linings are plain
and fancy silks of the durable and lasting kind—
Fine Suita worth to $25.00 are $lO.OO
Fine Suits worth to $35.00 are $15.00
Fine Suits worth to $50.00 are $20.00
Fine Suits worth to $65.00 are $30.00
Kimonos
A $3.50 Value for $1.75 Each
Some in solid colors and others
in kimono effects of attractive color
combinations and designs. There
are three different styles made out
of good weight fleecy flannelette
or real kimono crepe. All sizes up
to 44. A regular $3.50 value for
$1.75 each.
lency of being able to alleviate my
brethren'! suffering!.
Accept my dear governor general the
expression of my sincere esteem
(Signed.)
D. J. CARDINAL MERCIER.
Archbishop of Malines.
•Note —This letter was never found.
(To be continued.)
(Copyright. 1919 by Public Ledger
Company; Copyright Canada 1019 by
Public Ledger Company: International
Copyright 1919 by Public Ledger Com-
pany.)
I ■ ■
The Strong Withstand the Winter Cold
Better Than the Weak.
Old people who are feeble and younger
people who nre weak will be strength-
ened and enabled to go through the cold
weather by taking GROVE'S TASTE-
LESS chill TONIC which is simply
IRON and QUININE suspended in
syrup. So pleasant even children like
it. You can soon feel its Strengthen-
ing Invigorating Effect. Price 00c.—
(Adv.)
1919-1920
New Year's Eve
To insure a table
to enjoy—this
memorable occasion
Phone Crockett 3991
Gunter Hotel
Farm Loans
Provided By Act of Congress
33-year loans at 6 per cent interest. Operated under
Federal Farm Loan Act.
The San Antonio Joint Stock
Land Bank
Crockatt 1808 Seventh Floor National Bank of Commerce Bldg.
Representatives wanted in every county in -Texas and Oklahoma.
I ALL PURCW'I
I E 5 OF 15^ I
I OR OVER-1
I DELIVERED I
hNOTiM
Blanket Kobes
Two lots made from regular
blanket robe cloth trimmed with
ribbons pockets etc. and are in
splendid colors and patterns mak-
ing an ideal Christmas gift. They
are well made and in two weights:
$ 5.00 Value for $3.95 Each
$lO.OO Value for $6.95 Each
TO BUILD COLISEUM?
San Angelo Citizens Feel Need fur
lairge Convention Hall.
San Angelo Tex. Dec. 32.—Definite
action toward building a coliseuiu in
San Angelo is expected to result from
the approval given the plan Friday by
the board of city development. Many
people want a Y. M C. A. and othera
a memorial building for and in honor
of ex-soldiers sailors and marines. Thi
result likely wil be that a coliseum sin
be erected embracing all these features.
The cost it has been estimated would
be at least $70000.
San Angelo is rapidly becoming a con-
vention city and needs a big audito-
rium and n place for stock shows. The
Sheep and Goat Raisers' Association of
Texas met here in the spring and Texas
Elks will come here next summer.
Road Bond Issue in Doubt.
Rockport. Tex. Dec. 22.—Return!
from Saturday's election for $lOOOOO
good roads bonds resulted in 63 votes
for and 32 against. As this measure re-
quires a two-thirds majority it is likely
the county commissioners will declare
a tie vote and order a new election.
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Diehl, Charles S. & Beach, Harrison L. The San Antonio Light (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 339, No. 337, Ed. 1 Monday, December 22, 1919, newspaper, December 22, 1919; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1615336/m1/4/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .