Belgium

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 57, 23 October 1914, Page 5

Belgium

ANTWERP GETTING BACK TO NORMAL. [United Press Association.] Amsterdam, October 21. The Germans have curtailed the garrison at Antwerp, and sent the machine guns to the front. The water supply has been restored, and the tramways are running. One hundred and fifty houses were absolutely destroyed, and many were plundered. The churches were undamaged, and the public buildings, excepting the law courts, were almost spared. ON THE BELGIAN FRONTIER. Paris, October 21. General Von Moltke's son has been killed. Official.—The enemy's attacks were particularly violent at Nieuport, Dixmonde and La Basse. All were vigorously repulsed. There is no notable change elsewhere. ALLIES OCCUPY COURTRAI.

London, October 22. The Allies have occupied Coui'trai. UNCERTAIN TENANCY. THE OCCUPATION OF BRUSSELS. (Received 8.45 a.m.) Amsterdam, October 22. The Telegraph states it has reliable information that the German commander at Brussels has notified the German inhabitants to leave the town within forty-eight hours. This is interpreted to mean that he is unable to guarantee the uninterrupted occupation of the city. THE BELGIAN SEABOARD. GERMAN POSITION CRITICAL. TOWN TAKEN AND RE-TAKEN. London, October 22.

I The Daily Mail's Flushing corresJpondent says the German position on i the Belgian seaboard and in the vicinity of Bruges and Ghent is becoming critical, though the enemy is holding Ostend. The bombardment of Nieu* port on "Wednesday took place under the fire of eleven warships, the Gorman fire falling short. The Germans in Ostend are sheltering behind the houses on the Digue. Firing was heard at Bruges all day, coming closer. The railway viaduct at Oostcamp has been blown up, and trains of German wounded were obliged to return to Bruges. The German troops appear exhausted.

French dragoons from Ypres, after expelling the remnant of the Germans from Roulers, barricaded the streets and planted machine guns in the porches of prominent houses. On Monday 'a large force of Germans from Ghent and Bruges bombarded the place; and took the town again after fierce street fighting, the French retiring in good, order. The French were reinforced on Tuesday, and after more heavy fighting, Roulers was retaken, and the Germans driven out. N

A VIOLENT BATTLE PROCEEDING

ALLIES HOLDING THEIR OWN.

Paris, October 22

A communique dated October 21st (midnight) says: A violent battle has been proceeding throughout the day on the left wing, from the North Sea to liabassee. The Allies are holding their own everywhere, and the situation is unchanged. "THE CITY OF SILENCE." Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, October 21.

It is officially stated in Antwerp that 1030 houses were damaged and three hundred totally destroyed. A correspondent who visited Antwerp after the German occupation, described it as a city of silence. Traversing the city, he saw less than twO hundred people. Not a single hotel was open, excepting those commandeered by the officers. A few cafes were open, but the food supply was small. The only water supply was from the Scheldt, which Avas dirty and salty, and an epidemic was threatened. The German flag flies from the clock tewer, which now shows German time. The Belgians have discovered proof that the Germans were prepared for an attack on Dunkirk, where they found villas within rango of the forts with foundations and floors of the heaviest concrete. The Belgian sappers who blew them up declared that they had not seen such solid stuff in all their lives. Rotterdam reports a general return of Belgian refugees. Eight trains each carrying a thousand, left Roosendaal, and there is a similar movement from other centres.

NETHERLANDS NEUTRALITY.

Times and Sydney Sun Sehviorb London, October 21

It is stated that Germany suggested that Holland should re-provision the districts in Belgium occupied by Germans, declaring that i Germany would provide the necessary railway waggons. The Allies held this tantamount to the abandonment of neutrality, sinco Germany would be better able to provision her armies if Holland relieved her of feeding the Belgians. The Netherlands thereupon declined the project.

Buyers of apparel should make a point of attending the Melbourne's great slaughter sale to-morrow. The bargains offered are of a startling character, and will go ft long way towards offsetting the lately increased price of foodstuffs. x