The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-05-30

did not start firing the city until II
was absolutely necessary.
The Imperial German Government
believes the publication OF the material
In hand will prove beyond any doubt
that the behavior of the German troops
against the Belgian civilian population
was caused entirely by the violation Of
international law by franc-tireurs and
by the absolute necessity OF war. On
the other side the German Government
desires to express its strong condemna-
ton Of the population who carried on n
dishonest fight, regardless by what
means against the German soldiers, and
It's stronger condemnation OF the Gov
eminent. which absolutely forgot its du-
ties and gave free course to the mad
PASSIONS of the population and which
now does not feel ashamed of trying to
cover up it's own crimes by lying in
suits against the German army
' -Four appendices which form part of
the White Boob give details of a great
number OF crimes alleged to have been
committed by the Belgian civilian popu-
lation. The following details are given
OF the assassination OF Col. Stenser
at Aerschot:
The official Belgian Commission and
foreign press have mentioned what hap
pened at Aerschot among their count
less accusations against the German
methods of war In Belgium. Neither
OF them could strongly enough empha-
size the barbarious behavior Of the
German troops and officers against the
harmless population and the absolute
lack of necessity of infiicting punish
ment upon the peaceful town. What
really happened and What has been
proved by the sworn testimony of a
number OF disinterested witnesses gives
US an entirely different picture.
ION August 10, 1914. German SOL
diers OF the Eighth Brigade infantry
were sent to Aerschot. The stan of the
brigade entered on tina, date the city.
which apparently was absolutely calm.
Col. Stenger, commander in chief OF the
brigade, sent his a%djutant. Capt
Schwarz. ahead to hnd suitable quarters
for the members of his stan.
Fired Upon From Windows.
capt. Schwarz wac am,cably received
by the Mayor and his wife. and the
Mayor indicated his own residence, stu
ated on the Market Square. as the best
quarters here. III Colonel and his
orderly, Lieut.. Beycrsdorfr. arrived be-
tween 4 and 8 in the afternoon. Inter-
course between the officers billeted there
and their host was in every way polite
and friendly.
- fF'N ~ NV NAAAAN ~ IhA
ticularly loud shot rang out somewhere
In the city. which gave the signal for
general firing at German troops that
gathered in streets and on the square.
Most ~ the shots came from windows
In the roofs. All the doors and windows
OF the house from which the frst shots
were fired were locked and had to be
burst open by troops. The house was
set on fire and several civilians who tried
TO make their escape were seized. Many
OF them had arms In their hands, and
, OF these eighty-eight adult men were
shot as franc-tireurs.
"Col. Stenger had remained alone in
his room in the Mayors house. This
house was plainly marked as Head
quarters Stan Of Brigades by a poster
on the door. Fully trusting In the pre-
tended friendly feeling Of the popula-
ton. col. Stenger had spent the whole
afternoon on the balcony outside his
room. in full view of everybody. In
the evening he remained in his room
with the doors leading TO the balcony
open.
When Capt. Schwurz and Lieut..
Beyersdorf wanted to see him in the
evening, after $ o'clock. and get his
orders concerning measures to be taken
after the attack. they found Col. Stenger
lying MORALLY Wounded on the point OF
death in a brightly illuminated room.
with the doors 10 the balcony opened.
The physician who was Immediately
called could only confirm the fact that
the Colonel WAS dead.