case. _Affiches_ were pasted
everywhere on the walls with the Burgomaster's message to his people:

A SAD HOUR! THE GERMANS ARE AT OUR GATES!

PROCLAMATION OF THE BURGOMASTER OF BRUSSELS

CITIZENS,--In spite of the heroic resistance of our
troops, seconded by the Allied Armies, it is to be feared that the
enemy may invade Brussels.

If this eventuality should take place, I hope that I may be able to
count on the calmness and steadiness of the population.

Let every one keep himself free from terror--free from panic.

The Communal Authorities will not desert their posts. They will
continue to exercise their functions with that firmness of purpose
that you have the right to demand from them under such grave
circumstances.

I need hardly remind my fellow-citizens of their duty to their
country. The laws of war forbid the enemy to force the population
to give information as to the National Army and its method of
defence. The inhabitants of Brussels must know that they are within
their rights in refusing to give any information on this point to
the invader. This refusal is their duty in the interests of their
country.

Let none of you act as a guide to the enemy.

Let every one take precautions against spies and foreign agents,
who will try to gather information or provoke manifestations.

The enemy cannot legitimately harm the family honour nor the life
of the citizens, nor their private property, nor their philosophic
or religious convictions, nor interfere with their religious
services.

Any abuse committed by the invader must be immediately reported to
me.

As long as I have life and liberty, I shall protect with all my
might the dignity and rights of my fellow-citizens. I beg the
inhabitants to facilitate my task by abstaining from all acts of
hostility, all employment of arms, and by refraining from
intervention in battles or encounters.

Citizens, whatever happens, listen to the voice of your Burgomaster
and maintain your confidence in him; he will not betray it.

Long live Belgium free and independent!

Long live Brussels!

ADOLPHE MAX.

All that night refugees from Louvain and Termonde poured in a steady
stream into Brussels, seeking safety. I have never seen a more pitiful
sight. Little groups of terror-str