Ottoman Diplomats

Synopsis

Abdulhak Hamid Bey reports about the legislative elections in Belgium, and explains their importance. Especially since the discussions about the bill on financial aid for primary education and the resignation of the Schollaert government, the liberals and the socialists of the opposition saw their chances grow, as the Catholic majority was less and less pronounced. For these elections, the liberals and socialists formed a coalition, and presented themselves on the same list. Yet, this did not have the desirable effect. On the contrary, the Catholics even reinforced their majority. Abdulhak Hamid Bey mentions the composition of the House of representatives. He puts the unexpected turn down to the fear of the moderate (progressive) liberals for a government with socialists, and to the unsuitable tactics of the radical liberals. Abdulhak Hamid Bey adds that the existing Catholic government was wise, tolerant and liberal, and received a lot of sympathy from all parties. Despite the many precautions that were taken to maintain order, there were many demonstrations and some disturbances. Especially the attitude of the miners of the Borinage was bad, as they were so certain of a social-liberal victory and the triumph of pure universal suffrage. Strikes were announced in the industrial provinces Hainaut and Liège.

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