Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1914-10-30
BY jacques ObeIs.

News.
Antwerp, Belgium.-I have just
reached Antwerp after an absence of
20 days, II of which l passed as a pris-
oner in the hands of the Germans in
BRUSSELS. / 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
dred. However, refugees are return
Ing slowly, the trains which are bring
ing them arriving internationally from
Ho' 4. The Germans are running a
service of motor cars from Brussels to
Antwerp and l 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
against Fort Waelhem. l was an eye
witness of the bombardment of Ma
lines, the details of which l will give
as my story progresses.
On riding out frciu Antwerp on a
bicycle 20 days agt as the battle on
the plain was begisuing l heard the
heaviest firing in the direction of Ma
lines. l asked a responsible Belgian
/: . q -.z,1l H. -nc@ F~~ mr.
to go to Malines. YES" said he, "for
we shall hold the town at least until
tonight"
Runs Into German Army.
Thereupon l rode rapidly toward
Malines, around which Numbered
heavy guns. Entering the town with
the full assurance hat it was held by
Belgians, l 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 n OF the
town l saw the last Of the regiments
of belgian infantry backing
~ suit of the bullet-swept streets.
Rides on His Wheel to Front.
Fut / must return to the beginning
Of my story. Every day. beginning
wish September II, l rode on my bl-
cy,le from Antwerp to the fighting
frcnt. which extended in a wide semi
circle well beyond the outer ring OF
forts. On the 18th, 18th and 18th the
Belgians fought a series of battles SO
determined and brilliant that the Ger
mans are still talking admlrlngly 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
Beigians made a desperate sortie for
the pul pose of blowing up the German
lntrenctments and concrete emplace-
ments.
They persisted IN this attempt all
day Saturday and Saturday night, but
early sunday morning l foundt them IN
full rvtreat. reached the foremost
trenches where the final stand was
made prior to the return within the
forts. The Belgians 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 we're hurried into position.
The Germans hidden III the wood
opened d heavy rife fire and this was
SO hot that the Belgians launched a
cavalry movement to clear h wood
Sees Marvellous Workmanship.
When the cavalry had covered about
half the distance l witnessed a marvel
Gus feat Of craftsmanship by the Ger
mans. Their artillery was in position
about two and q quarter miles behind
their advance troops. The Belgian
charge having been signaled, the Ger
man artillerists fired one shell, which
dropped in the very midst of the Bel
gian horsemen. killing and %wounding
many and sending the others into
heedlong flight for shelter. Afterward
the Germans came quickly upon US
with their b%ayonets, charging reck-
lessly 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
20, l 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
Che hands of the Germans, as previous
Iy told. They ordered me to take my
place with other civilians at the head
Of a column Of infantry. l pointed to
Che American flag about my arm with
letters in gilt. ut is no use," said the
officer in command.
l took my place in front Of the sol
diers and advanced at the word Of