“LITTLE MAN” OF BRUSSELS

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 9

“LITTLE MAN” OF BRUSSELS

DRESSES FOR FAMOUS STATUE The world-famous boroque statue of a little man that serves as a fountain in Brussels, and that still counts as one of the sights of the Belgian capital, was honoured by the Japanese Ambassador recently with a brand new silk kimono. Matrc Adolphe Max, burgomaster of the city, thanked the Amb ssad-'i fo his toke- of goodwill, and decreed tliai the statue was to wear the Japanese national costume .or three weeks except in rainy weather After that the kimono will bo stored away in a local museum with the dozens of other costumes that the -oatue has worn from time to time. The kimono replaced a dark blue uniform placet on th« statue by a detachment of the Chaseurs Alpins, the L.nmons Bln Devil;, who in doing so mad-- the lit', e Brussels man a “ poilu d’hor.evr.” Every nation that entertains friendly relation with Belgium is bound to dress up the statue some time or other Spain. France, Japan, and Scotland have already done so. Others will follow. The Highland kilt, they' say, became the statue well. The hat with plumes and feathers sent bv Italy was even mo’-e picturesque. One of these days tlu Hollanders will dress him up again in flowing trousers and a fisherman’s cap. And K en will come the turn of the United States no doubt. Mr Hoover knows the statue well, although it was hidden behind a boardi-g when he was in Belgium during the German occupation. The planks were put up by General Von Bissing, as the naked statue gave offence to Teutonic military susceptibilities.