usands of men who have
sacrificed their lives, although I regret as much as any man the
destruction of such a beautiful work of art.

* * * * *

"SPARE THE CATHEDRAL."

German Government Disclaimer Issued by Count von Bernstorff,
Washington, Sept. 23.

The German Government states officially in contradiction of the report
made by the Havas Agency that German artillery purposely destroyed
important buildings at Rheims, that, on the contrary, orders were given
to spare the cathedral by all means.

* * * * *

THE FRENCH ARE BLAMED

Official German Dispatch from Berlin, Received in Amsterdam, Sept. 23.

The Cathedral of Rheims was not used as a mark for a systematic
bombardment. During the last few days the French had strengthened the
fortress to defend their present position, and consequently the German
bombardment became necessary. Orders had been given to spare the
cathedral.

If it should prove true that during the fire the cathedral suffered,
which cannot be yet ascertained, nobody would deplore it more than
ourselves, but the French who made Rheims a fortress in support of their
defense line are alone to blame.

* * * * *

THE DAMAGE DONE.

Official Report Made by Whitney Warren to the French Government, Sept.
28.

On Friday, Sept. 25, I received word from the embassy that the French
Government had made arrangements to take me to Rheims in order that I
might make a report on general conditions and especially upon the
cathedral. So at 8 o'clock the next morning I started off with two
automobiles under the escort of Capt. Henri Charbonnel, accompanied by
two soldiers; one automobile, conducted by Mr. Hall of New York,
containing Major Morton Henry, Major Cosby, and Lieut. Boyd of the
embassy.

We followed the route direct to Meaux, then to La Ferte-sur-Jouarre,
from there to Chateau-Thierry, where we picked up a third automobile
containing Capt. Perrin, with authority from Gen. Joffre to conduct us
anywhere we chose to go, providing it was safe.

From there to Epernay, where we had luncheon, and then to
Chalons-sur-Marne, where was stationed the chef d'etat-major. There they
told us it was possible to go to Rheims, although the bombardment had
been rather severe the day before. So we turned northwest and proceeded
to Rheims, passing by Conde-sur-Marne and Verzy. Here we passed man