Omaha daily bee., 1915-02-22
BELGTANS FACE STARVATION
Cessation of Relief Work for Even
Few Hours Would Mean Great
Amount Of Suffering.
REPORT BY MINISTER wH1TLoCK


Correspondence Of the Associated Press.)
BRUSSELS, Feb. 1L-Brand whitlock,
American minister in Brussels. and Henry
w. Diederioh, American consul general
in Antwerp who were sources from
whom the Associated Press correspondent
sought information as to the progress of
relief work. both asserted that the Ger
man authorities were cooperating so far
as possible in the service which outsiders
were trying TO render to the distressed
Belgians.
Mr.. whltlock, fresh and alert, not
withstanding the strain of the last few
months. Is stili actively interested IN the
work OF the American relief committee,
and discussing its Importance, he said:
There are places where the cessation
of our work for week would mean
starvation believe that its cessation
for three weeks would mean hunger
throughout Belgium. "A German officer
said to me yesterday that to stop Il for
day would mean suffering in some
localities"
' The committee Is now so systematically
established that its headquarters occupy
twenty-five rooms.
Throughout Brussels there Is such
magic In the word America that even
the cabman no longer posters Americans
Tor tips. Hand him the exact fare, II he
knows you are American. he will smile
and say Thank you" and appear to be
sufficiently rewarded with the honor Of
having an American for his fare. 1t Is
a trifling thing, but In strange contrast
TO the antebellum days when a Brussels
cabman looked TO Americans for big tips.
and was never satisfied, however big the
tip might be.
Lights Ont and Cafes Closed.
! Although there is much bitter want
in all Belgium. Brussels, to one who knew
the city well before the war. looks-apart
from the German uniforms in the street.
much as In normal times Striking. how
ever, Is the number OF beggars. mainly
old women and very young children and
the swarm OF vendors chiefly of post
cards At night there Is the same cease
less promenadlng through the main
streets that has always formed such a
characteristic picturesque part OF life in
the Belgian capital but at II o'clock
most OF the street lights are extInguished
ana the bars and cafes are closed.
This early closing, and the fact thai
only beer and light wines are permitted
TO be sold, are the chief outward evi.
dences OF the strict German rule OF ths
conquered city. These conditions, how.
ever, are more apparent than real
Ihe German soldiers are good patrons
OF the shops. paying for their purchases
In cash, but the buying power Of the peo.
pie Is steadily-and rapidly-growing less
Industry. except in some OF the coal and
iron mines along the Mouse between
laegs and Huys. Is PROSTATE. The better
class people remaining are living on their
incomes OF savings. the poorer on charity
IN Bon Marohe, for instance, one OF the
lergest OF the Brussels stores. there ap.
pear 20 be only about a third as many
clerks as before the war. and the same 1,
true OF other establishments. A iarg,
lace factory visited by the correspondent
was quite idle.
Women work IN Fields.
There are no more Americans n,
more English. no more spaniards. visit
ing us. said the young woman IN charge
The eifls who worked here are in IN,
fields
I'm Antwerp conditions arc far worse
Business Is prostrste and actual want IN
ereasing. Along the miles OF wharvel
OF the cilg1 splendid hsrbor the idl,
ships lie rusting at their mcorings. All
? lions OF feet OF lumber are stacked In Tn,
deserted yards. and where ordinarily !
swarm OF workmen load and unload IN.
busy ships. q solitary watchman makei
his deserted rounds
The city Il overrun with beggars an.
E vendors. The shops are empty. scat
|, tered about the city are wrecked an,
= burned buildings, showing where German
: shells fen during the bombardment o
b tho city.
The life Is most monotonous' as
serted Consul General Disderich. wit
= the exception OF members OF my staff an.
! OF the American relief workers. there are
o 30 far as know only two American