The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1914-11-07
BY Jacques obeIs.


Antwerp. Belgium have Just
reached Antwerp after an absence of
20 days, II of which I passed as a pris-
oner in the hands of the Germans in
Brussels I find scattered patches Of
this city either knocked down by shells
or burned, but it is impossible at the
moment to estimate the damage. The
town is dead, the total Belgian pOpula-
ton amounting only to about five hun
bred. However, refugees are return
ing slowly, the trains which are bring
ing them arriving internationally from
Holland. The Germans are running a
service of motor cars from Brussels to
Antwerp and 1 came here on one of
these cars.
Sees Maiines Bombardment.
My experiences since leaving Client
include, besides imprisonment, walk
ing with half a dozen other civilians
before a column of German infantry
advancing against the Belgians in the
streets of Malines, while the bullets
whistled about US and while shells
from the kaiser's heavy artillery
screamed overhead and doomed
IL L
witness of the bombardment of Ma
lines, the details of which I will give
as my story progresses.
On riding out from Antwerp on a
bicycle 20 days ago as the battle on
the plain was beginning 1 heard the
heaviest firing in the direction of Ma
lines. 1 asked a responsible Belgian
commander if it would be safe for me
to go to Malines. Yes" said he, for
we shall hold the town at least until
tonight"
Runs Into German Army.
Thereupon I rode rapidly toward
MaIines, around which Numbered
heavy guns. Entering the town with
the full assurance that it was held by
BeIgians, I suddenly found myself face
to face with a column of German in
fantry keeping close to one side of a
street on the other side Of which
shell fire was bringing down quantities
of brick and stone. This shell fire pro-
ceeded from the Belgian guns at Fort
Waelhem. At the other end Of the
town 1 saw the last of the regiments
of Belgian infantry. backing stubborn
" out of the bulIet-swept streets.
Rides on His Wheel to Front.
But 1 must return to the beginning
of my story. Every day, beginning
with September II, rode on my BIZ
cycle from Antwerp to the fighting
front, which extended in a wide semi
circle we'll beyond the outer ring OF
forts. On the 18th, 18th and 18th the
BeIgians fought a series of battles so
determined and brilliant that the Ger
mans are still talking admiringly Of
them. Then they were driven within
the outer forts and the Germans be-
gan Immediately to prepare positions
for their great guns by leveling the
ground and building concrete plat
forms. Saturday, September 26, the
Belgians made a desperate sortie for
the purpose of blowing up the German
intrenchments and concrete emplace-
ments-
They persisted in this attempt all
day Saturday and Saturday night, but
early Sunday morning found them in
full retreat. I reached the foremost
! trenches, where the final stand was
made prior to the return within the
forts. The BeIgians had fallen back
from Buggenhout and were making
their stand along the high road to Ma
lines and Termonde. Their trenches
were hastily dug and manned and ma
chine guns were hurried into position.
The Germans hidden in the wood
| opened a heavy rife fire and this was
so hot that the Belgians launched a
cavalry movement to clear the wood.
Sees Marvellous Workmanship.
When the cavalry had covered about
| half the distance 1 witnessed a marvel
1 GUS feat Of craftsmanship by the Ger
mans. Their artillery was in position
| about two and a quarter miles behind
| their advance troops. The Belgian
| charge having been signaled, the Ger
man artilierists fired one shell, which
dropped in the very midst of the Bel
! gian horsemen. killing and wounding
many and sending the others into
headlong flight for shelter Afterward
the Germans came quickly upon us
with their bayonets, charging reck-
! Iessly through our rife fire. So many
were there that We were forced to fee
for our lives.
Witnesses Artillery Duel.
The next day, Monday, September
%, went to Wildebroek An artillery
duel ragged along the whole length OF
/ the line and the incessant scream OF
the shells deafened one and made
ones head ache.
Pushing on to Malines, fell into
the hands of the Germans, as previous
ly told. They ordered me to take my
! place with other civilians at the head
of a column of infantry. / pointed tc
the American flag about my arm with
letters in gilt ct is no USE" said the
| officer in command
I took my place in front of the sol
diers and advanced at the word o