LOUVAIN CHIMES

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 144, 21 June 1922, Page 17

LOUVAIN CHIMES

[TO RING FOR PtLLIES

In a 1 recent issue an American journal said: —Chimes rivalling those of the historic structures of the Old World will each hour alternately ring out "The StarSpangled . Banner" and the national hymns of the Allies from the bejfry of the new 1,000,000-dollar library of the University of Louvain, Baron de Cartier, Belgian Ambassador, said in a message to the American people. In the message he describes Cardinal Mercier's, hopes, gradually approaching fruition, for au edifice which shall stand through the centuries as a "monument of \protest against barbarism and as an arsenal of civilised faith and aspiration." Crowning the library, funds for the erection of which are being raised by the 640 (alleges and universities of the United States in a- national movement headed by Columbia University, will be a high balustrate bearing the coats-of-arms of tlfe United States and Belgium. " Though its body was destroyed, Louvain's soul was beyond the power of the Germans," said the Belgian Ambassador, quoting President Hai'ding's reference to thej library as a noble undertaking. Steel for the new building -will be shipped from America at Columbia. Dr. Nicholas Murray ' Butler, Columbia's President, has authorised the beginning of construction, although the fund is still far from complete. Dr. Butler is chairman of the National Committee of the United States for the Restoration of the University of Louvain. „A, message from Mgr. Ladeuze, rector of Louvain, made public, said that the library would be provided with the latest improvements embodying all that is best in the American institutions presented by Andrew Carnegie. Mgr. Ladeuze, in his letter, addressed to Whitney Warren, architect of the new building, described .the elation of the scholars of Belgium following the receipt of authority from D;. Butler to begin work. Dr. Butler joins with Baron de Cartier in picturing the 4ask of raising' funds for the building which lies before America. He also said that books wera pouring into Lquvain from America, England, Japan, and other countries. "The whole world is aroused," added Dr. Butler, "and as a result, when the library building is completed, a collection of books that will be almost unique in the history of libraries will be ready to occupy it." Thousands of volumes "have been forwarded as a gift from the school children of France, who also have "raised over 280,000 francs. Baron de Cartier said that "from the ashes of its martyrdom Louvain. ros* immortal," and that the library soon, to be erected would be a new link between America and Belgium. "On the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone of the new library of the University of Louvain last July," the Ambassador continued, "President Harding sent a most gracious (message, in which he said : 'It makes me' particularly happy that my owji countrymen have had the privilege of sharing in this noble undertaking, and it is my hope that the friendship between the University of Louvain and the universities of America will prove one of the strong ties which hold the two nations' together.' "Belgium is bound to America by many ties of gratitude' and affection. For instance, we Belgians will never forget what the Commission of Relief in Belgium, and its chairman, Herbert Hoover, did for us during our days of trial; and we will always also remember with gratitude the excellent work now being done by the Education Foundation of the Commission for Eelief in Belgium, which enables young Belgians to come to American universities., and young Americans likewise to go to Belgian universities. This shows how strong is the sentiment ,of friendship ] and solidarity which exist between uni- I versity Hfe in both countries;, and it is a particularly touching thought that a movement is now being started among the students of American universities to contribute funds necessary to complete the new library building of tho University of Louvaiu. "Eacli student who contributes, uo matter how small the sum, will feel that he has a share in the future education of tile Belgian race, and every Belgian student at Louvain will feel a new inspiration in knowing that the restoration of his library—his indispensable 'workshop'—has been made possible through tho efforts <jf hia felfow-,fft.udfiftts...*s;'aeß-thfcjsjsa,w ~i