REIMS CATHEDRAL

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 97, 18 January 1921, Page 9

REIMS CATHEDRAL

* COST OF "RESTORATION. A correspondent if the Londo.n “Daily Telegraph” states that it will ta.ke 125,000,000 francs .(£5,000,000, at the normal rate of exchange), to restore Reims Cathedral. This is the cost of the damage done by German bombs and shells, put by Cardinal Lueon. The French Government promised a first advance of 4,000,000 francs, and has given a fourth of tliis sum, which has been allocated to works of preservation. The Cardinal does nbt complain. He knows that the State cannot do more at the present moment; it must first of all think of constructing roofs for the shelter of families and rebuilding factories wliich give bread to those who work. Private initiative for restoring the cathedral first took shape in Denmark, where a committee, with the Duchesse d’Orleans at its head, was formed. Then a committee was organised in England to collect £1,600,000, but it had to suspend operations in favour of the urgent needs of British hospitals. Nothing has as yet been done in America, but when the Knights of Columbus visited Reims, their chief announced that he would send 10,600,000 dollars. The Cardinal thinks a start could be made with tho 'ro™ restoration with a sum of a,000,000 francs. Labour is dear, and is paid tor at 5 francs an hour. A large share ot the money given will have to be utilised in replacing the shattered stainedglass windows, which were the glory o the ancient pile, but if, as the architects believe, it will take ten years to restore the cathedral, they will probably be tho last things to receive attention, as this delicate work will take time, and will have to be. done with taste.