JOURNALISTS OF FORTUNE.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15075, 19 May 1919, Page 2

JOURNALISTS OF FORTUNE.

-» WORLD MYSTERY UNSOLVED '

The world mystery of "La Libre Belgique," the patriotic Brussels paper which made its appearance every week during the four years of German occupation, will never be" solved, its unknown authors announce in its farewell number.

The regular appearance of "La Libre Belgique" was a source of anger and mortification to the German administrators of the Belgian capital, who were forced to see it come from the presses weekly, and never were able to determine where it -was printed nor who were its publishers. And in no issue during all'that time did the paper fail to assail in biting language the brutality of the German oppressors nor to proclaim unflinching faith in the future liberation of the Belgian people, .and to urge resistance to the invaders to the last-ditch. In the last number issued on the-day following the signing of the Armistice, "La Libre Belgique" has this to say:—

"Many thrilling incidents might be told, but a history of 'La Libre Belgique' is not possible. The work of free lances in whom every sentiment of i good-will and of patriotism found their expression, it is better that the mystery which contributed so greatly to their power should remain. Journalists of fortune, we always promised ourselves to cease fire on the day when journalism here ceased to be a guerilla warfare and when our regular troops of the Press should enter again the battle.

"Our mission accomplished, we are willing to step aside. We had sworn that the German would find us confronting him till the last day. We have faithfully fulfilled the promise." Throughout its - stressful career, ' 'La Libre Belgique" never lost sight of the-, importance of humour. On its front page the price of the paper was given as: "Elastic; from zero to infinity ; subscribers are requested not to pass this latter limit." The offices were given as "installed in/an automobile cellar." The telegraphic address was set forth as being "KommandaturBrussels."