The citizen., 1914-08-28

the burgomaster prevented the shop
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 Fueitlves.
At that time Brussels was crowded
with fugitives from the province at
Brabant. Many of the fugitives slept
that night In the big open space in
front of the railroad station and con-
tinued 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 as
best they can in the fields. The Digue
is black with fugitives, many OF whom
are in great distress, having lost all
and 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-
ceded by group Of horsemen, one of
whom carried 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 as
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 the Hotel Metropole and
before the principal railway station
are encampments of German troops,
while others have taken up quarters
in different parts of town.
Communication between them is
maintained by military cyclists, and
German army automobiles dash to and
fro carrying officers from point to
point.
Many of the shops are closed. but
the Germans pressed the bakeries in
to their service, each bakery being
compelled to supply certain fixed
number of loaves per day in return for
the local prices of bread.
All stations and railway lines in and
around Brussels are guarded by Ger
man troops, who also are watching
over the water and electric works and
gas reservoirs.
Military Law Proclaimed.
German military law has been pro-
claimed and stringent regulations have
been issued for the control of the In
habitants, who are strictly prohibited
from being outside their doors after s
o'clock at night. The Germans also
seized number of prominent citizens,
their number being given as 18 to 20,
to be held as hostages for the good be-
havior of the remainder of the inhab-
itants.
The Germans are communicating all
sorts of provisions and supplies from
wholesale stores and retail shops, pay.
ing the price which they themselves
fix for the goods supplied. Horses and
motor cars also are being pressed into
service by the invaders.