The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-02

Ted by power which was one of the grarantors of her neutrality In this critical situation 1t is for our coun- try an estimable tower of strength to sec coming resolute and immediate in tervention by great and powerful Eng land.
 Convey Gratitude
 commissioned by his majesty the King of the Belgians with a mission to the President of the United States. we considered it our duty to make a stay in the capital of the British em- pire to convey to your majesty a re- spectful and ardent expression of the gratitude of the Belgian nation"
 The address referred to King George's message to King Albert and the cooperation of the British land and sea forces.
 This" continued the address. strengthened still further the deter imitation of the Belgian nation, forced to go to war for the protection of her institutions and her hearths. In this respect she was desirous of bringing to bear the care which Is imposed on each nation by international conven- lion and conscience
 Decimated Population
 Our adversary, after invading our territory, has dectmated the civil pop ulation, massacred women and children, carried into captivity inoffensive peas- ants, put to death the wounded, de- stroyed undefended towns and burned churches, historical monuments and the famous library of the University of Louyain. All these facts have been established by authenticated documents, each of which we shall submit to the government of your majesty
 Despite all this suffering in Bel gium. which has been made the per- sonificatlon of outraged right, the country is resolute in fulfilling to the utmost her duties toward Europe Whatever may happen, she must de- fend her existence, her honor and her liberty"
 King George replied that GreaHBrit- ain would support Belgium and that he was grateful for the gallant Belgian resistance. He added that he was shocked at the reports of German bru- tality.
 King Albert bade us tell the world that Belgium is not crushed and never will be crushed Such spirit as we have never can be downed. We will fight on and on, and success finally will crown the efforts of the allies"
 Such was the message that Carton de Wiart, Belgian minister of justice, and head of the Belgian mission. delivered to representatives of the press following the visit of the mission to King George and Sir Edward Grey, British foreign minis ter.
 Put Straw in Houses
 q have a statement" said M. de Wiart, from reliable man who visited Louvain August 30. which is that the Germans were burning buildings that day and scattering straw so that every house standing would be destroyed. Drunken German soldiers were reeling through the streets and of- ficers were drinking at tables set in streets.
 "Louvain looks like second Pompeii. Only the town hall and the city station are standing. The cathedral and the theatre have collapsed. as also has the library with it's rare old manuscripts The university, which had 25OO students. is a total ruin.
 "Aerschot with 5000 inhabitants and Diest and many other unfortified villages suffered the. same fate as Louvain. Al Diest mother and her daughter of l; were shot to death, . young man was bound to a tree and burned alive and two men were buried alive with their heads downward"
 M de Wiart charged the Germans witt theft in the taking of funds from the National Rnk of Louvan. an institution in no way connected with the govern. ment. and said the bombardment of Ant werp without giving 24 hours notice waa violation of international law. Two Cut to Pieces T personally saw" said Emile Wander. velde. Belgian minister of state who 1. 8 member of the mission. ''the bodies o1