Lower coast gazette., 1914-08-29

Iuo UuESOIuaStcT pIeVSuLeu Iu0 OUOv
keepers and artisans from facing the
kaiser's hordes. They seemed ~
solved to sell their lives dearly rather
than give up their beloved capital
without a blow.
Crowded With Fugitives.
At that time Brussels was crowded
with fugitives from the province at
Brabant. Many Of the fugttives slept
that night in the big open space in
front Of the railroad station and con-
ttnued their pilgrimage on foot.
Early Thursday morning those Of
the civil guard who had not been re-
moved were disarmed and ordered by
the Belgians to maintain a pacific at
titude.
The Germans entered Louvain at
nine O'Clock Wednesday morning, and
when an able left an hour or two
later many Of the houses were In
flames.
Ostend is overrun with fugitives Of
all classes. Hundreds are camping out
on the sands and others are living az
best they can In the fields. The Digue
is black with fugitives. many Of whom
are In great distress, having lost all
ard having no means of support.
Tell Of BrusseIs' Fall.
The fugitives from Brussels bring
more details Of the occupation of the
capital by the Germans.
The German cavalry which entered
Brussels Thursday afternoon was pre-.
coded by a group Of horsemen, one Of
whom carried a white flag to indicate
that the Germans had no intention OF
committing any act Of hostility unless
menaced by the civilian inhabitants.
The officer In command formally no
titled the burgomaster that the Ger
mans had taken possession Of the city.
The conversation was carried on with
cold courtesy on both sides. The
burgomaster mentioned the measures
he had taken to pacify the Inhabitants,
and the German officer gave his assur-
ance that the civil population would
not be molested in any way SO LONG a.
perfect order was maintained.
Citizens Watch Entry.
The German cavalry was followed
by considerable bodies Of infantry,
who marched into Brussels In perfect
silence. Their arrival was watched
by the citizens. but there was no
demonstration Of any kind. German
troops occupy the public buildings,
and others are encamped in the open
spaces Of the city.
In front Of tho Hotel Metropole and
before the lEincipal railway station
are encampiRsnts Of German troops,
while athas vertaksa up quarters
In Different parts Of town.
Communication between them 10
maintained by military cyclists. and
German army automobiles dash to and
fro carrying officers from point to
point.
Many Of the shops r closed. but
the Germans pressed the bakeries in
to their service. each bakery being
compelled to supply q. certain liked
number Of loaves per day In return tor
the local prices Of bread.
All stations and railway lines In and
around Brussels are guarded by Ger.
mar troops, Vvho also are watching
over the water and electric works a16
gas reservoirs.
Military Law Proclaimed.
German military law has been pro-
claimed and stringent regulations have
been issued for the control Of the -
habitants, who m strictly prohibited
from being outside their doors after 8
o'clock at night. The Germans aloo
seized a number Of prominent citiseaa.
their number being given Is 10 to ~
to be held as hostages for the good b.
havior Of the remainder Of the inha1
itants.
The Germans are Communicating %
sorts Of provisions and supplies fo0
wholesale stores and retail shops, pay-
Ing the price which they themselves.
az for the goods supplied. Horses M
motor cars also are being pressed hit
service by the invaders. 4