eriod in the
northerly centre chapel.

The paintings in the choir chapels, to which belong the most precious
art treasures of Louvain, such as the works of Dierik Bouts and the
Master of Flemalle, together with all movable art treasures of St.
Peter's Church, were saved by Lieut. Col. of Reserves Thelemann and
transferred to a hall in the Rathaus, where they are now under the
supervision of the Mayor. Here can be found "The Holy Communion" by
Dierik Bouts, and his "Martyrdom of the Holy Erasmus," the
"Kreuzabnahme" ("Removal from the Cross") by the Master of Flemalle, and
two side paintings representing the donors (apparently by another
artist.) Three paintings by J.v. Rillaerz and several later paintings of
lesser value are stored there.

The oaken church treasure chest containing eight silver Holy Virgins,
some of them from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, a Gothic
incense bowl, Gothic Renaissance monstrances of silver, highly artistic
and valuable ciboriums of the eighteenth century, also chandeliers,
candlesticks, swinging lamps, and other church regalia have been stored
in the City Hall. The report continues that an architect of Louvain has
been ordered to temporarily repair the damage of the roof regardless of
cost.

Thus of the old art works of the Church of St. Peter only the ventilator
is destroyed; the stone structure of the building itself remains intact.
Until the framework of the roof is rebuilt a temporary roof should be
constructed to shelter the interior of the church. A Louvain architect
has been authorized by the Mayor to do this work.

The semi-official Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, after publishing this
report, says:

"The disastrous accidental fire, called forth by the revolt of the
populace and then spread further through the storm wind, devastated
especially the rows of houses near the railroad station, in the
Bahnhofstrasse and in the centre of the city. The remaining churches lie
outside of the zone touched by the fire, which comprised about one-sixth
the area of the city; they were therefore not touched by the fire. Thus
there remained undamaged the Church of St. Michael, the Church of St.
Jacob, the Church of St. Gertrude, with all their notable art works;
likewise the College du Saint Esprit, with its library."

* * * * *

Bombardment of Rheims Cathedral

* * * * *

Protest Issued to Neutral