THE BRUSSELS FIRE.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12875, 19 August 1910, Page 2

THE BRUSSELS FIRE.

APPORTIONING THE RESPONSIBILITY. LOSS OF TWO MILLIONS. inefficiency of the firemen, a watchman's admission. [pREsa Association — Copyright.] n „ . , London, August 17. .Britain has suggested to Belgium that a joint board of experts be formed to apportion the responsibility in conJiection with the Brussels Exhibition fire if possible. The Belgian Government will be liable for the amounts not recoverable under the insurance. i "The Times" estimates -the total loss at £2,000,000. The "Journal de Brussells" justifies the complaints of correspondents that the firemen were unable to find hydrants, and that the hoses were too short. While the fire was spreading the firemen squabbled over the leadership. Another great fault was following instead of isolating the fire. &her statements are to the effect that the f, ntl ?P nose was taken out directly the Belgian section- was threatened, but the pressure was about equal to that of a toy squirt. Five attendants finding it impossible to stay the fire, attempted to save the art exhibits, furniture and tapestry, ' but excited soldiery and police rushed in with fixed hayonets and forced them to leave the building."'' .'"' ' ■ The safe ■containing the De Beers diamonds has been recovered. "Tlie Times" asserts that a watchman has admitted that he caused the rl*. a * V 1 ®- Brusse] s Exhibition by lighting his pipe. • *