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diff --git a/old/56299-0.txt b/old/56299-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c2618a9..0000000 --- a/old/56299-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3823 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, From Convent to Conflict, by Sister Marie -Antoine - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: From Convent to Conflict - A Nun's Account of the Invasion of Belgium - - -Author: Sister Marie Antoine - - - -Release Date: January 3, 2018 [eBook #56299] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FROM CONVENT TO CONFLICT*** - - -E-text prepared by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -(http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by -Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -Note: Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/fromconventtocon00mari - - - - - -FROM CONVENT TO CONFLICT - -Or - -A Nun’S Account of the Invasion of Belgium - -by - -SISTER M. ANTONIA - -Convent des Filles de Marie, Willebroeck, -Province of Antwerp, -Belgium - - - - - - -[Illustration] - -John Murphy Company -Publishers -200 W Lombard St. Baltimore, Md - -Copyright 1916 by -John Murphy Company - -Press of John Murphy Company, Baltimore - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - Introduction - - -The publication of this little volume has for its object a better -understanding of actual conditions, immediately following the invasion -of a hostile army. The hope is indulged that the harrowing scenes -witnessed by the author in Belgium, after the German invasion in 1914, -may induce our own countrymen and women to more fully appreciate the -blessings of peace. The events narrated are set forth as actually -occurring, and—“with malice to none, with charity for all.” - -Any profits derived from its favorable reception by the reading public -or the charitably inclined are to be devoted to the reconstruction and -repair of our school and convent, damaged during the engagement at the -Fortress of Willebroeck, or for the establishment of a sewing school, -with a lace-making department, for young women in America or England, as -our Reverend Superiors may decide. - -Any assistance in this charitable work will be gratefully appreciated by -the author and her scattered community in Belgium, England and Holland. - - SISTER M. ANTONIA. - - Skaneateles, New York, - April 3rd, 1916. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Letter of Introduction - - -La Supérieure du Couvent des Filles de Marie a Willebroeck, Province -d’Anvers, en Belgique déclare par la présente que ses soeurs Marie -Antoine et Marie Cecile sont envoyées aux Extats Unis, a fin d’examiner -s’il y aurait noyen d’y établir une colonie de Filles de Marie; elle -donne a Soeur M. Antoine le Pouvoir d’agir en son nom afin de prendre -les mesures nécessaires a cet effet. - - SOEUR M. BERCHMANS. - - Willebroeck, 29 September, 1914. - -Apprové: - - D. J. CARD. MERCIER, Arch. de Malines - - TRANSLATION. - -The Superior of the Convent of the Daughters of Mary, Willebroeck, -Province of Antwerp, Belgium, state by this present (letter) that the -Sisters Mary Antonia and Mary Cecilia are sent to the United States in -order to examine if there are means of establishing a colony (mission) -of the Daughters of Mary there; she gives to Sister M. Antonia the power -to act in her name as to taking the measures necessary to this effect. - - SISTER M. BERCHMANS. - - Willebroeck, 29 September, 1914. - -Approved: - - D. J. CARD. MERCIER, Arch. de Malines. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Contents - - - _Page_ - INTRODUCTION 3 - LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 5 - CHAP. I — The Boarding School 9 - CHAP. II — Daily School Life 17 - CHAP. III — The Parochial School, Convent and - Garden 26 - CHAP. IV — The Cloister 38 - CHAP. V — The Approaching Storm 46 - CHAP. VI — Changes 51 - CHAP. VII — War 59 - CHAP. VIII — The Carnage of Battle 66 - CHAP. IX — The Return of the Army 80 - CHAP. X — Anxious Days 90 - CHAP. XI — The Flight of the Refugees 98 - CHAP. XII — The Results of War 109 - CHAP. XIII — Our Departure 116 - CHAP. XIV — Arrival in Antwerp 126 - CHAP. XV — Extracts from Letters of Our Refugee - Sisters 134 - CHAP. XVI — The Exodus to England 142 - CHAP. XVII — London and Leeds 150 - CHAP. XVIII — The Refugees in England 157 - CHAP. XIX — Homeward Bound 174 - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - BOARDING SCHOOL IN THE COUVENT DES - FILLES DE MARIE, WILLEBROECK, - PROV. D’ANVERS, BELGIQUE, - JULY, 1914. - - -A merry group of Convent girls, in charge of Sister guardian, was seated -in the shade of a huge old pear tree, discussing the joys and -expectations of the approaching summer vacation. High are the walls -enclosing this ancient cloister, and many are the gay young hearts -protected and developed within its shady precincts. - -Bright are the faces and happy the hearts of more than one hundred young -girls on this midsummer day in the memorable year 1914. They are now -enjoying the morning air in the playground, having just returned from -their usual walk in the garden. The weather is somewhat oppressive; but -as time is precious in boarding school, every one has something to do. -One is crocheting; another is finishing a piece of Irish lace; still -another is reviewing an article in a certain newspaper, as it is her -task to make a summary for that evening’s meeting of the Study Circle. - -Joy, unalloyed by the experience of care or sorrow, is written on the -face of every child. It is only one week before the annual distribution -of prizes, the subsequent close of the school year, and a speedy family -reunion. - -It is eight o’clock. The sign is given, and instantly a hundred -busy-bodies become still and serious. Not another word is spoken as the -preceptress conducts the long line through the large playroom, over the -small yard, and into the various classrooms. - -The young ladies, aged from fifteen to twenty, proceed at once to the -sewing department. This is to them the most important and interesting of -all the rooms; needlework being a predominant feature in the education -of all young Belgian women. After prayer, work begins. Some are cutting -patterns; others are putting pretty lace collars on those suits which -must serve for the reception of diplomas; and a few of the more -diligent, who have completed the term’s work, are now finishing some -lace or embroidery; while a cheery little canary is singing to the -doubtful harmony of twenty sewing machines. - -At the desk sits the patient and zealous teacher, Sister M. Alphonse, -assisted in her work by two young novices. She is, perhaps, the most -widely known and respected seamstress in all the province. For years her -gold embroidery has sparkled on flags and banners; for years her -skillful fingers have adorned the vestments that beautified God’s altar -in many churches of the diocese. Sister M. Alphonse knows the secret of -winning the confidence of her pupils, and it is interesting to see how -they crowd around her to reveal their little joys and sorrows and obtain -advice in the various necessities of a long and busy school year. - -On leaving the sewing-room, the visitor proceeds to the other -departments. On all sides order and discipline prevail. The -stone-floored halls are spotlessly clean. Pretty mosaic figures attract -the eye and give a quaint appearance to those ancient corridors. The -walls are very high, the rooms spacious, the windows long and broad, -thus capable of admitting an abundance of air, light and sunshine. The -wooden floors of the classrooms are often scrubbed and strewn with fine -white sand from the seashore. - -Sad is the lot of any poor child who might have the misfortune to upset -an inkstand. You would find her on her knees rubbing the stain with soap -and scraping it with a piece of glass until every vestige of ink -disappears. If you tell her to be more careful in future, she will -laughingly reply: “Schuren is toch zoo aangenaam” (scrubbing is so -pleasant). - -In passing from one room to another, one notices the zeal and energy of -both pupils and teachers. So busy are they, and so diligently are the -hours employed, that the long school day, from eight o’clock in the -morning until seven in the evening, fleets quickly away. The desks are -stiff, and hard, and heavy; but no one complains. The young Belgian -women are devoted to their country and its customs; and if one were told -that in another country more comfortable desks were provided, she would -answer candidly, “Wij blijven liever in ons vaderland” (We would rather -remain in our _own_ country.) - -The climate of Belgium is temperate, though more inclined to be cool -than warm. The ground is very moist in some places. Never have we -experienced the extremes of heat and cold found in America. Very heavy -rains, accompanied by lightning and deafening peals of thunder, occur in -the summer. There is little snow in the winter. In some parts of the -country the grass is emerald green all year long. Rosebuds are seen on -the bushes in January, and sometimes the trees are budding in February. - -The stoves in Belgium are far inferior to those in America. Kitchen -ranges are not used to bake bread. Those who do not possess stone or -steam ovens, are obliged to buy bread daily at the baker’s. - -When accustomed to the cool, invigorating climate of Belgium, a great -contrast is experienced in visiting America, and one feels more or less -in danger of suffocation during a journey in an overheated railroad car, -or a few hours spent in the rooms of our American homes. - -Most of the people in Belgium are early risers; and if, by chance, you -happen to visit any of her cities at dawn of day, you will find her -churches full to overflowing with zealous Christians, who, like their -time-honored forefathers, offer the first fruits of the day to God, the -giver of every good. The churches are numerous, large and beautiful, and -multitudes of worshipers are in daily attendance. Men and women of the -higher class attired in robes of broadcloth; poor peasant women, with -little shawls or kerchiefs covering their heads and shoulders; -blue-eyed, fair-faced children, and the aged; whose bent forms and -tottering steps show that they are nearing the end of life’s journey; -all assemble in the early morning seeking mercy, peace and comfort at -the Throne of Grace. We can imagine the effect of this morning’s -devotion, especially consoling to the poor, who, in their heavy -“blokken” (wooden shoes) toil, day in and day out, all year long, for a -small compensation, insufficient for the comfort of their families. - -As are the parents, so are the children; particularly in the -boarding-school, where the rules and regulations necessitate strict -discipline. Shortly before or after five o’clock in the morning, every -child is up, unless some one is ill, who, for the time, is excused from -rising. After dressing, a sign is given and all descend in strict -silence to the chapel for morning prayer and the holy sacrifice of the -Mass. After morning devotions they go to the refectory, where a -bounteous supply of “botterham” (bread and butter) and strong coffee is -served. Breakfast is eaten in silence, except on special festivals. - -Needless to say that a great amount of tact is necessary on the part of -the monitor to keep one hundred little tongues within their ivory walls -until the signal is given to go to the playground. - -Here we found them at the beginning of our narrative; here we shall find -them again at half-past nine, at twelve, after four-o’clock lunch, and -after supper; in the summer evenings. In winter the time of recreation -is spent in the reception hall of the boarding-school. At eight o’clock -the school day ends, and all advance in strict silence to the -dormitories to enjoy the peaceful slumber which health and youth -affords. - -The dormitories are four in number. Each child has a separate alcove. -Several Sisters are in attendance during the night. In case of illness, -a child is immediately removed to another apartment. - -To these general rules and regulations there are exceptions on Sundays -and special festivals during the year. On those days special devotional -exercises take place in the morning, the afternoon being assigned to the -practicing of hymns and sacred music. When the weather is fine, the -recesses are longer, and pleasant walks may be enjoyed in the garden. -One Sunday in the month, called “Visiting Day,” is at the disposal of -parents and visitors, who are permitted to call upon the children. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - DAILY SCHOOL LIFE. - - -Every Tuesday afternoon, from one until about four o’clock, all the -boarders, except the little ones, dressed in full uniform, go forth for -a long walk with their teachers. They usually visit churches, shrines, -or places of particular interest, thus developing the spiritual, mental -and physical powers of the body. - -The uniform is quite becoming and attractive. It consists of a neat -black dress, without showy trimmings or ornaments, black shoes and -stockings, black hat, black silk gloves and necktie, with white sailor -collar and cuffs. Sometimes white blouses, with straw hats, white silk -neckties and gloves are worn. The hair is simply combed back, a part -being taken up and fastened with a black or white bow, while the rest is -braided and fastened again with a bow to match the necktie and gloves. - -A silver chain, bearing the medal of the Immaculate Conception, is worn -by all those belonging to the “Congregation of the Children of Mary.” - -For what might seem monotonous in this manner of dress, we find -sufficient variation in the blond locks, naturally curling around the -forehead, the plump, rosy cheeks, the sparkling eyes and smiling faces -of these gay and guileless children. - -The uniform is not permitted to be of costly fabric, as it must be in -accordance with the means of every pupil. It is the distinguishing mark -of the institution to which the child belongs, and claims for her a -certain respect not due to those dressed in gaudy, striking, -many-colored garb, so often affected by girls and young ladies. - -One of the principal and most beneficial results noticeable from the use -of the uniform suit in the boarding-school is that it destroys the great -inclination on the part of one pupil to surpass another in dress and -personal adornment, thus preventing vanity and arrogance in the one, and -removing the cause of envy, jealousy and distraction in the other. - -What teacher has not remarked, in the ordinary classroom, the scornful -glance on the face of a haughty child, as she regards her poorer -neighbor’s cheap dress, and who has not noticed the seeds of envy -sprouting up in the heart of some poor little creature, so deeply -wounded by the conduct of her affluent companion? There she sits, and, -instead of diligently studying her lesson, that sensitive little soul is -complaining against the All-Wise Providence, which has given to her -neighbor more than to her. Alas! when that child returns home after -school, poor mother must suffer. Her daughter begins to annoy and worry, -tease and complain, until mother also feels the pangs of jealousy; and, -falling into error, denies herself some household necessity in order to -satisfy her discontented child. There are many mothers in the world at -present who are real slaves to the caprices of their daughters in -matters of dress. A pretty uniform in all common day schools would -prevent a great deal of this annoyance to mothers, pupils and teachers. - -Nearly every year since the opening of the sewing and household schools -an exposition is held for about two weeks, in which all suits, lace, -embroidery, painting, mending of clothing, and all other articles made -by the boarders are exhibited. - -Written invitations are sent out to the families and friends of the -Sisters and children. Only those who have received such invitations are -allowed to visit the exposition. - -It sometimes occurs that a dramatic performance is given by the boarders -as an entertainment, wherein the play represents an event of particular -religious or historical interest. In this case, also, only those invited -are permitted to be present. - -Most interesting entertainments, provided by the Convent for the -boarding-school, are the stereopticon views, with lectures given by the -Reverend Professors of the College of Boom, in which are represented and -discussed all the important scenes in and on the route to the Holy Land -by those who have actually visited the scenes and secured the views -themselves. - -Another object of great interest is the “Play of the Birds,” presented -by a French Gentleman, when requested by the Superiors, for the pleasure -and instruction of the pupils. There are several cages of birds of the -smaller kinds. These birds are exactly trained, and, being perfectly -obedient to their master, perform a series of exquisite feats, which -leave a lasting impression on the memory. But the lesson which is -intended to be impressed upon the minds of the pupils is the result -which can be obtained from even the unreasoning creatures around us, by -the unceasing, unwavering influence of a loving, gentle, patient and -persevering character. - -When the children had entered the classroom in the morning, the monitor -stood for a moment and glanced around to see if the yard was in order. -Her eye fell upon a paper forgotten by one of the pupils. She opened it -and saw the portraits of the murdered Crown Prince and his noble -consort, of Austria-Hungary, little recking the awful import of that -heinous crime to her own fair country. - -Was it the heat, or was it the harbinger of coming woe? A feeling of -sadness so seldom experienced in the life of a zealous religious took -possession of the Sister and carried her for the moment beyond her -Convent walls, far away to the battlefield of life, where Pride, -Ambition and Materialism, like unto monstrous autocrats, wage war -against the human race. A moment she pauses while her heart exclaims, -“Sursum Corda” (Lift up the hearts). - -“One day in Thy house, O Lord, is better than thousands in the dwellings -of sinners.” - -She glanced around the yard and went slowly to her room. - -From the window could be seen the sunny, cloudless sky, the trees laden -with ripening fruit, and far away those fertile, well-tilled fields in -which, perhaps, there never had been raised before, a more plentiful or -luxuriant crop of wheat and barley. Who could have ever thought that -within a few short weeks that same, sunny sky would be raining -death-dealing bombs upon the innocent inhabitants of a peace-loving -nation, while her crops, over-ripe for the harvest, were being trampled -under foot and her plains and meadows deluged in a sea of blood? - -How strange, how incomprehensible does it not appear to those whose -lives are spent in the abode of sanctity, to witness this ignoble -strife, this worship of mammon, the rise and fall of the victims of -Ambition, along the path of glory leading to the grave? All the wealth -of the world cannot obtain for them the precious pearl of peace, or the -tranquillity of mind possessed by the poorest day laborer in the humble -performance of his allotted task. - -Peace is a hidden manna, unknown to the selfish lover of the world, in -whose heart rages perpetual war. - -On the outer page of a child’s copy book, I observed an illustration -which depicted in a very simple manner the progress of selfish Ambition -as it is found today in every class of society. In the corner of the -page sat a big black spider, intent on catching a little fly which had -lit on a blade of grass. Just above was a greedy little bird, ready to -grasp the spider. At a short distance a vicious-looking old cat crouched -in the grass, ready to spring at the bird. A dog, prowling along the -street, seeing the cat, showed his long teeth and would have sprung at -the cat, had not a little boy approached and begun to worry the dog. In -the distance appears father, with the “rod of correction” in hand, ready -to punish little Fritz for cruelty to animals. - -Thus there is selfish strife in this world of ours, strife from the -cradle to the grave; and no one, however proud, ambitious or arrogant he -may be, who will not, one day, find a master greater than he. Now what -is the object of this never-ending strife? It is simply an insatiable -desire for superiority and self-satisfaction, even if, to obtain the -ends in view, one must trample upon the rights of others. - -Having lost original happiness in the fall of Adam, man has been looking -for it ever since; but the great trouble is that many people look for it -in the wrong direction, and seek it where no happiness is to be found. -They think it consists in the acquisition of fame and glory, in the -possession of wealth, or in a life of ease and luxury; but these things -are as transient as the evening twilight, and uncertain as the shadowy -forms portrayed in the river’s depths. The entire lives of many people -are consumed in a fruitless search after the vain and perishable goods -of the earth. Their years glide away like the sands in an hour-glass; -and, finally they sicken, faint and fall, and their end resembles the -pebbles thrown into the ocean, which for a moment ripple the surface and -lose themselves in its waves. The human soul is as a fathomless sea, -which nothing finite can satisfy. “O God!” cried St. Augustine, “Thou -hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are ever troubled, ever -agitated, until they find rest in Thee.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, CONVENT - AND GARDEN. - - -The reverie into which the Sister had fallen was soon interrupted by the -sound of children’s voices in the small playground. Hastily leaving the -room, she went to meet the merry little band of day-scholars who attend -the boarding-school from half-past eight in the morning until six -o’clock in the evening. - -Joyfully the little group of twenty gathers around their mistress. One -presents a flower which mother had given; another, a pretty postcard; -yet another shows a toy or picture-book. A chubby little boy is crying -because he has forgotten his new drum; and thus talking, laughing and -crying, they are placed in line and lead away to the cozy little -classroom whose long, broad windows look out upon the garden, which is -ever green, and the rose bushes near the arbor, which bloom the greater -part of the year, and on whose twigs buds were often seen on New Year’s -Day. - -During the morning session one rosy-cheeked little girl, with long -yellow curls and an apron as white as snow, stood up by her desk and -said, “Sister, there is war in the newspapers. Papa said so this -morning.” All the little heads turned, curious to hear about the war; -and little Charlie took out his box of soldiers and arranged them in -marching order on the desk. The mistress took advantage of the situation -to teach the older pupils the great value of peace and the reward -promised to the peacemakers; “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they -shall be called the children of God.” - -At half-past nine the recess bell rings, and all the pupils proceed once -more to the playground and play tag, or continue their needlework in the -shade of the wide-spreading trees. During certain seasons of the year -all children play “beads,” which is quite similar to a game of marbles. -Happier than a general returning with the spoils of war is the child -who, at the end of the season, can show her companions a string of -large, many-colored beads two or three yards long. - -The swing and the rings are the source of great enjoyment for the -children, and not a little care and anxiety to the Sister on guard, -especially if the ripening fruit hangs on a branch within touching range -of the children’s feet. - -When it freezes hard in the winter, there being no snow on the ground -and no pond nearer than the large garden, a number of the older pupils -pump water and throw it on the stone pavement of the playground, until -the whole becomes as a sheet of glass; and then the exercise of skating -on wooden shoes begins. Needless to say, there is danger of fracturing -more than the pavement when this play begins. - -Sister M. Anastatia has been for about twenty-eight years preceptress in -the boarding-school. She is a small, slight figure, whose very presence -has a kind of magic influence upon all around her. At her entrance and -during her lessons perfect order prevails. Authority and precision, -softened by great kindness of heart, are the distinctive personal traits -of Sister M. Anastatia. She is assisted in her work by several other -Sisters and two lady teachers. - -Among the assistants, no one, perhaps, deserves more credit or gratitude -than Sister M. Cecilia, who for more than twenty-five years has directed -the musical exercises of the Convent and Boarding-school. - -Showing a natural talent for music in her early childhood, and -possessing a fine voice, her own progress in this art has been -remarkable, and her services inestimable as teacher of music and -directress of the choir. She is assisted in her work by Sister M. -Margarita, one of the younger Sisters of the Community. - -The Belgians, like many other European nations, are great lovers of -music. Thus, since a large number of pupils take music lessons, the -monotony of school life is broken by the melody of many instruments and -the sweet harmony of children’s voices. - -There is no place where the influence of soft, sweet music is so -effective as in the church or chapel during devotional exercises. -Nowhere are greater pains taken to develop this art as a branch of -education than in the Convent schools, and nowhere are the results -obtained more gratifying. - -Sister M. Amelia, the only child of the well-known family Le Duc, of -Mechelen, entered the Convent at the age of sixteen, and having -completed the Normal course in St. Nicholas, took charge of one of the -higher departments in the Boarding-school. She teaches French and -Flemish, also drawing, painting and penmanship. The English and German -languages are taught in the higher departments. - -Proceeding from the Boarding-school, the visitor is led around to the -long playground of the Parochial School of Willebroeck. Here between six -and seven hundred girls form the long line which is marching through the -gate of “d’Externat.” Each division is in charge of one or more Sisters, -who conduct the children safely through the street a little beyond the -Post-office. Here the procession breaks up, and the children scatter in -all directions and run on to their homes in the different parts of the -town. - -Scarcely have the Sisters finished dinner, when the throng of pupils are -at the gate again, eager for admittance. See them coming from all -directions, and listen to the clatter of their wooden shoes on the stone -pavement! Truly happy in their child-like simplicity, strong, healthy -and active, they are worthy descendants of a sturdy old race. When the -gate is opened, crowds rush into the yard and begin their games of tag, -jump the rope, hide and seek, etc., just as easily in those hard -“blokken” as their next-door neighbors, the “Pensionnaires” (Boarders), -in fine high-heeled shoes. - -The continual use of wooden shoes is hurtful to the feet. They hinder -the development of natural gracefulness in walking and cause the feet to -become large and very flat. - -Sister M. Stanislas superintends the Parochial School. Though small of -stature and very delicate, she has worked for years in the cause of -education and has become one of the most prominent teachers in the -province. In company with her associates, the assistant teachers, she -attends the conferences, writes articles on education and conference -work, directs the sewing department; in a word, it is greatly due to her -zeal, energy and Christian charity that the Girls’ Catholic School of -Willebroeck has attained as high a standing as the highly paid public -schools of the district. - -On leaving “d’Externat” (parochial school) one enters that part of the -garden especially assigned to the use of the Sisters during recreation. -It adjoins the large garden which is at the service of strangers on -Sundays and visiting days. From the main path, in the middle of the -garden, a fine view can be had of that quaint old Convent, some of whose -buildings have stood there over a hundred years. On the right rises the -new school, containing several large classrooms on one side; and on the -other, the bakery, laundry, free sewing and household schools. At a -short distance from the school is the “Gloriette” (arbor), or summer -house, surrounded by a very beautiful collection of rose bushes, then in -full bloom. There are beds also containing many varieties of flowers, -palms and evergreens. - -In the distance is seen the Convent chapel, with its small belfry. It -seems so insignificant in comparison with the majestic tower of the old -parish church of Willebroeck, which, probably, has weathered the storms -of centuries. - -On the right-hand side of the chapel is found the “Grotto,” or “Shrine -of Our Blessed Lady of Lourdes.” It is here that the children, during -the summer evenings, sing their sweetest hymns; here also that the -Sisters, after a tiresome day’s work, kneel in spirit a few moments at -the feet of their “Holy Mother” and patroness, who gave to the world the -first perfect model of Convent life, when as a child she parted with her -dearly beloved parents, St. Joachim and St. Anna, and entered the Temple -of Jerusalem, where the years of her childhood were passed in work, in -prayer, and in devout communion with the Divine Being, who was “Lord of -the Temple.” - -The number of Religious now in the Convent is fifty. They are Sisters of -the Augustinian Order, bearing the name of Filles de Marie (Daughters of -Mary). The Mother House, wherein reside the Superior General, Rev. -Mother M. Berchmans, and Assistant Superior, Rev. Sister M. Gabrielle, -is, and has been for about fifty years, in the town of Willebroeck, in -the Province of Antwerp, Belgium. - -In this house all the younger Sisters are received, trained, and make -their profession, which consists in the solemn pronunciation of the -three holy vows of religion. - -Many of the younger Sisters complete their normal course for school -teachers during their novitiate. - -The mission houses are Thisselt, Blaesvelt, Aertselaar and Bonheyden. -All the Sisters are Belgians, except one. - -During the last eighteen years five of the members have celebrated the -golden jubilee, or fiftieth anniversary of their entrance into the -Community. One of these, Rev. Mother M. Magdalena, was the sister of the -late well-known and highly esteemed Bishop of Richmond, Va., Rt. Rev. A. -Van de Vyver, D. D. She entered at the age of eighteen and lived -fifty-seven years in the Convent. - -We stood by the death-bed of all these dear old members who had given -the flower and fruit of their long and useful lives to the advance of -education and religion. We observed the peaceful resignation on the -countenance of each dying Sister, and the smile of heavenly joy on her -lips. The death of each one of these was for the Community as the -passing away of a sunbeam. For them it was only a happy transition from -the sorrows of time to the joys of eternity. We gazed on those faces so -pure, so calm, so majestic, even after the spirit had fled, and recalled -the words of Holy Scripture, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,” -and again, “The death of the just is precious in the sight of the Lord.” - -Besides the above named, there are a number of Sisters in the Convent -who have already celebrated their “Silver Jubilee,” or twenty-fifth -anniversary of their entrance. - -Under the administration of the so-called Liberal party in Belgium, in -the year 1879, the Catholic schools, being deprived of financial -assistance from the Government, were closed. - -A new School Law was passed, and the Crucifix and images of the saints -were prohibited in the schools. Many Catholic teachers resigned. The -clergy and rich Catholic families built schools of their own, which were -supported by gifts. - -Our Community provided schools for the poor children of Willebroeck, and -furnished the classrooms with desks, books and all necessary supplies. -The eight Sisters who taught received only 2,000 francs per year, which -was less than fifty dollars for each Sister, and the predicament of the -Sisters became more or less alarming. Several prominent gentlemen in the -town, among whom was Mr. Erix, the father of our present Sister M. -Aloisia, went around taking up collections for the pressing necessities -of the Community. - -In the year 1866, when the cholera broke out in Willebroeck, three -Sisters went to the hospital; and, without any compensation whatever, -remained with their patients. Later, about the year 1891, the same -disease broke out again. The Liberal Burgomaster, Mr. De Naeyer, being -in great need of assistance, came to the Convent and asked for Sisters -as nurses. Regardless of their past grievances, occasioned by the bitter -opposition of the Liberals to the Catholic schools, eager only to do -good, five strong, able-bodied Sisters, at the request of their -Superior, left the Convent and went to the temporary hospital which had -been hastily erected in the town. - -Here they remained day and night, in the midst of death and disease, at -the bedside of their stricken fellow-creatures until the epidemic -ceased. Strange to say, not one of the Sisters contracted the disease, -although numbers of their patients died each day. - -Only two of those heroines of charity and self-sacrifice now survive: -Sister M. Theresia and Sister M. Perpetua. These two Sisters, feeble and -aged, were obliged to take flight into Holland last September, but have -now returned, with several others, to their Convent home in Willebroeck. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - THE CLOISTER. - - -Proceeding from the little Grotto of Lourdes, where the Sisters kneel in -the evening for their “Drie Wees Gegroeten” (three Hail Marys), one -passes through the large, stone-paved playground, over the small yard, -and enters the corridor leading to the Chapel. - -Passing through the yard, we observe the Novitiate on the left. This may -be considered the preparatory school of religious life. Here no one is -received under the age of twenty-one, without full consent of parents or -guardians. Immediately a regular course of training begins, in which the -duties and obligations of religious life are clearly presented. No -applicant is permitted to take the vows who has not voluntarily -responded to the requirements of the Novitiate. - -Before taking the vows, every postulant, if not satisfied, is perfectly -free to return to her own home. Thus the obligations which bind one to -religious life are not incurred by entering a Convent or taking the -veil, as some people suppose, but by the solemn and voluntary -pronunciation of the vows, which in our Community may not take place -without special dispensation, in less than a year after receiving the -habit. In the Novitiate a Training Class has been established for those -who intend to teach school. If not already graduates, this course is -usually followed by the novice, who later enters the Normal School. - -The experiences of the Novitiate make a life-long impression on the -mind, and are regarded by the religious of more mature years as the -scenes of childhood in the home circle are looked upon by the people of -the world. - -On the right of the hall is seen the large folding door leading to the -Community room of the Sisters. This apartment, especially devoted to the -private use of the “professed members,” is never entered by the -worldling, except with special permission from higher authority, and -then only in case of necessity, as, for instance, a workman, for -necessary repairs. - -Enter then in spirit this earthly paradise and try, if possible, to -comprehend the charm which permeates it. Here we meet rich and poor, old -and young. They call each other “Sister.” They greet in passing with -these words, “Geloofd Zij Jezus Christus” (Praised Be Jesus Christ), to -atone for the profane use of the sacred Name by the vulgar. - -The Sisters are all dressed alike; thus, no vain love of dress, no envy, -no jealousy. They lose no precious time at the dressing table, and no -money is wasted in following the vagaries and follies of every changing -season. Their food is the same (exceptions being made for the sick and -feeble), simple and substantial, neither rich nor dainty. The result is, -as a rule, a measure of health and physical strength unknown in the -circles of society. - -The rules and regulations to which they voluntarily subject themselves -relieve them of all care and encumbrance as to the future. Each member -performs her work as faithfully and diligently as possible; and the good -“All Father” provides. They join each other in prayer and in the -recreation. They assist each other in pain, in sickness and sorrow, and -comfort one another in the hour of death. - -The work of the members is not the same. Each has a special office or -work to perform. - -As the different organs of the body co-operate in preserving life, and -even the smallest screw in the locomotive is necessary to the -accomplishment of its work, so does each member contribute to the -spiritual life and well-being of the Community. - -From this place is banished all that makes life miserable for millions -of people. That is, particularly, the great desire of worldly -possession—having, ever having, and never having enough—also, the -ever-increasing desire and search for pleasure, pastime and -self-satisfaction; but finding only pain, chagrin and remorse; that is, -finally, the insatiable desire for freedom from all bonds and fetters -which sanctify the soul and keep the body in restraint; and while thus -seeking liberty, one finds, as a rule, in himself a most cruel tyrant -for master. - -The Sisters retire at an appointed hour and arise at the first sound of -the bell. They work faithfully and industriously all day long, all year -long, all their lives. - -Their wages are neither gold nor silver. They are the eternal merits -which they know awaits them in a better life. The false and artificial -customs of the world are strangers here. This short and sorrowful life -is looked upon as a pilgrimage in a land of exile, or as the passage of -a train from which the traveler joyfully observes the fleeting objects -along the route, well knowing that every disappearing mile-post reduces -the distance between him and his dearly beloved home. - -The Sisterhood is as a garden of many flowers, where the pure white lily -never loses its beauty, where the red rose of love has made place for -the pure white blossom of Christian Charity; and the fragrant little -violet of humility diffuses incense to the angels who ascend and descend -about the Throne of God. - -People often condole the Religious closed up within the prison walls of -the Convent and forever deprived of the joys and pleasures of the world. -Little they know that within these same walls the heart is as free as -the flight of the bird, while the soul in solitude is in constant -communion with God, whose Divine Presence is felt in the life that -surrounds her. - -She hears His voice in the gentle sigh of the breeze, in the hum of the -bee, in the song of the bird and in the soft murmur of the little -brooklet breaking over the mountainside. His wonderful attributes become -visible to a certain degree in every object around her. She admires His -Divine Providence in the fatherly care which He takes of His creatures. -Even the tiniest insect and the smallest blade of grass show forth the -love, wisdom and the goodness of God. - -The soul in solitude, hidden within the Convent walls, admires the -grandeur and glory of God as manifested in the majestic rising and -setting of the sun, and its influence over all nature. God’s beauty is -seen in the color of the clouds and in the ever-varying tints of the -sky. The fragrance of the flowers reminds her of the odor of sanctity -which a Christian should leave in his wake; and if, as sometimes occurs, -one observes anything which mars the beautiful face of Nature or -disturbs the peaceful course of events, it brings to mind the revolting -sight of a soul in sin and the remorse and confusion it must suffer. - -The wave on the ocean’s breast; those giant rocks on the shore; the -mountains and little hills; the river flowing on to the sea; the moss -and ferns in the wood; in a word, every object in and around proclaim to -the religious the omnipotence and omnipresence of Him who created them. - -The soul detached from the temporal, and seeking only the eternal, -forsakes the creature to find the Creator; and, having found Him, has -found what her heart desired. - -What are, then, the pleasures of earth to those who have tasted the -sweetness of Grace; more delicious than the luxuries of a thousand -worlds? They speak no more of the past, since for them a new and happier -life has begun. With eyes and hearts fixed on heaven, they have -forgotten the earth and, enraptured, cry out: - -“Laetatus sum in his qui dicta sunt mihi; in domum domini ibimus.” (I -was rejoiced at those things which were said to me: We shall go into the -house of the Lord.) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - THE APPROACHING STORM. - - -July’s sun sank gently away on the western horizon, and its last rays -lit up the ripening fruit, the plants and flowers in the garden. It -seemed to linger for a last farewell to the groups of merry children -who, unconscious of their fast-approaching woe, were cheerfully singing -Belgium’s well-known national song, “The Proud Flemish Lion.” - -In a few moments the “Golden Gate” closed on a field of purple haze, -shutting out that blessed glimpse of heaven, while the black shroud of -the most dismal night in history darkened the sky of that hapless -nation. - -The Sisters were together in the evening recreation of that fateful day, -when word was received that King Albert of Belgium, in order to fulfill -his obligations of neutrality, had refused the Kaiser’s army access to -his territory to attack the French. Had a thunderbolt fallen from a -clear sky, or an earthquake shaken the ground under foot, it would -scarcely have surprised or terrorized the people more than did the -Kaiser’s declaration of war against this free and happy little kingdom. - -When hostilities broke out between Austria and Servia, while realizing -the possibility of trouble in the country in case of a general war, we -were assured that Belgium, being a neutral nation and having no other -desire than that of possessing her own soil, and living in peace with -all nations, had nothing to fear from war or invasion. - -Feeble human insight into the designs of Providence, whose hand has the -power to destroy and rebuild, to crown or dethrone kings and kaisers, -and seal the fate of nations. - -It is not our object to discuss the causes of the present European war -from a material point of view, nor do we intend to pass judgment upon -the nations or individuals engaged in it; nevertheless, viewing the -present condition of affairs in Europe from another standpoint, and -drawing conclusions from observation and personal experience, we must -admit that a spiritual warfare had been raging there for several years. - -Certainly, God, who is the source of peace, virtue and every good, -should have been permitted to hold sovereign sway in His own kingdom; -that is, in the hearts of His children and in the homesteads of His -people. This right was disregarded in a most ruthless manner for many -years, as is evident from the fact that the word “_God_” and everything -pertaining to God, was expunged from the text-books in some places in -Europe, while it would have been a serious offense for a teacher to -mention His sacred name or anything in connection therewith in the -classroom. - -The spirit of atheism and agnosticism contended against the Spirit of -Religion, and as a scourging wind was fast sweeping over the land, -leaving by the wayside thousands of incautious souls bereft of all -ennobling possessions of mind and heart. - -The vices and vanities of pagan Rome were reviving before our very eyes -in about the same manner as they had been prevalent over twenty hundred -years ago; and, although idolatrous shrines were not found in the -homesteads, they could easily be found in the hearts of many people. - -Modern life in Europe, especially in the large cities, had to a certain -degree, lost its high ideal of perfection, as did the world in the time -of Noah; and, consequently, it does not seem indiscreet to intimate that -the same Supremacy which chastised the world in the great flood, has, -for the same reason, reappeared and become manifest in the deluge of -blood which now inundates the soil of those unhappy nations. - -Civilization, wealth, industry and intellect developed in times of peace -and prosperity, so as to reach apparently the limit of effort, have -exhausted their entire resources up to this time to construct means -suitable for destroying themselves. - -Now the question has been asked, “Why could not Christianity, after a -period of about twenty hundred years on earth, have prevented this cruel -war and saved the honor of civilization?” The answer is not difficult to -find. Christianity could and would have saved humanity from this -dreadful misfortune had it not been for the fact that her power had been -checked, her authority limited, her work hindered and her ranks weakened -by those heavy storms which, though unable to uproot the Divine -Institution, have impeded her progress and lessened her influence over -the human race. - -When the happy day dawns in which the true spirit of Christianity, free -and unfettered, will animate civilization as the soul animates the body, -then, and not till then, will its powerful influence be able to dispel -the shades of darkness in the minds of men, and in the palaces of kings -and kaisers. Then will war cease and the reign of peace and happiness -begin. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - CHANGES. - - -When our minds, bewildered by the unexpected course which affairs had -taken, fully comprehended that the country was at war, a feeling of -dismay and terror, never before experienced, took possession of all. - -Suitable measures were adopted for the safety of the children under our -care, to whom the usual prizes were distributed on the first Sunday in -August, a week before the ordinary time of vacation. Permission was also -given them to return to their homes the following day. All necessary -preparations were made as quickly as possible, and early next morning -the boarders, accompanied by one or more Sisters, departed in groups to -their homes in the surrounding cities and towns. - -The parochial and public schools of the village continued in session for -a few days, as the children were all residents, and no immediate danger -was anticipated. - -Subsequently, while the train containing a party of our pupils en route -for Mechelen (Malines) was steaming on at full speed, it was hailed by a -troop of Belgian soldiers, and instantly slackened up. All passengers -were obliged to alight and, with satchels and small baggage in hand, had -to make their way to the city as best they could, a walk of an hour or -more. The soldiers boarded the train, which immediately started off to -another station. - -At home the general cleaning and arrangement of the Boarding-school -began, and in a few days the united assistance of strong hands and -willing hearts have accomplished the work, and the Sisters quietly await -developments. - -During this time several workmen were busy excavating a cellar in the -yard. On a certain morning the implements remained idly standing by the -wall, as the workmen had been called out to assist in the all-important -work of strengthening the fortification of Willebroeck. This cellar, -half filled with water by the dislodgment of the pipes leading to the -cisterns, became later the receptacle of the bomb which passed through -the chapel, shattering the walls and windows in its course. - -One night a great noise in the streets aroused the residents of -Willebroeck. It was the call for several classes of soldiers who were -obliged to rise, pack their kits and depart in a few hours, perhaps -never more to return to their homes or families. Sorrow filled many a -homestead that morning, but it was only a faint shadow of what was yet -to come. - -Shortly afterwards it was announced that all the horses were to be -brought to the public market-place in each city and village. Here they -were examined and those unfit rejected. We know not whether any -compensation was given to the owners at this time, although promise was -made to make good the loss sustained at the close of the war. All the -horses which could be of any service had to be given up for the use of -the army. There were some people who gave seven, some nine, and one, we -knew, who gave thirteen or fourteen. Thus, just about the time that the -harvest was ripe in the fields, men and horses had to leave home and go -to meet death on the field of battle. Imagine the plight of women and -children, with every kind of hard work on hand and no one to help. How -happy they were when, as happened occasionally, their poor old horses -were rejected by the officers. Shortly thereafter all the bicycles and -motor cars had to be delivered, and yet neither complaint nor murmur was -heard on the part of the people, who patiently resigned themselves to -the unhappy lot which had befallen them. - -The gazettes and daily papers were eagerly read, although little -reliable information could be obtained. Encouraging news in the evening -was usually contradicted in the morning, while reports of the most -terrible atrocities; of men murdered in cold blood; of open and gross -lawlessness and evil conduct, terrorized the peaceful population in the -unprotected towns and villages. - -Shortly after the war began letters were received from His Eminence, -Card. Mercier, Archbishop of Malines, requesting the use of the schools -and other locales for a military hospital to be placed at the service of -the Red Cross. - -Again a few days of quiet anticipation elapse, like the calm which -precedes a destructive storm; while the Sisters utilize the time in the -unusual occupation of changing the joyful abode of children into a fit -dwelling for death and misery. - -The children’s refectory was arranged for the care of wounded officers; -the large reception hall was fitted up for wounded soldiers, also the -three dormitories and several classrooms. One classroom became an office -for chaplain and doctors. Another department became an operating room. -Another was reserved for cases of contagious disease which might occur, -while another room was used as a mortuary. - -One Sunday morning, about the middle of August, an unusual tumult was -heard on the street. The door bell was loudly rung, and a messenger -admitted with news that the officers of the Belgian War Department had -commanded everything within firing range of the fortress to be cleared -away at once. For some time previous the soldiers had been busy cutting -down the groves and all the trees in the immediate vicinity of the -fortress. The poor people were given just three hours to get away with -bag and baggage. - -Willebroeck, a large village between Antwerp and Brussels, about two -miles from the City of Boom, had increased greatly in population, wealth -and manufacturing during the years of peace and prosperity which had -elapsed since the last war. Thus it happened that stores, dwelling -houses, farm houses, breweries, paper mills and other industries had -been built up, regardless of the fortification near by, whose -grass-covered walls concealed the strong masonry and heavy cannon -within. - -This was a terrible misfortune for about six hundred families, whose -dwellings, being located within the limits prescribed, had to be leveled -to the ground. Even the tombstones in the cemetery, together with all -the crops, trees, haystacks, barns and everything within range of the -gaping mouths of the cannon, had to be laid flat or taken away. - -No wonder that the people raced to and fro that hot Sunday morning, -carrying bundles, dragging wagons with household furniture and fixtures; -wheeling trunks, clothing, stoves, pictures, bedding and every article -that could be taken up and carried away. Tears and perspiration rolled -over the cheeks of men and women, whose faces glowed from the heat and -intense excitement. - -Fortunately, the first message was followed by another whereby the -people were allowed more time to get their personal property in safety -before the work of “burning off” began. Impossible to describe how -bitterly hard it was for these poor people to tear themselves away from -the homes which had cost them so much toil, labor and hardship. - -The new Sewing School and laundry, the Parochial School, the Girls’ -Public School, the Patronage (Boys’ Catholic School), and all other -large locales received the village refugees. In a short time cows, -horses, chickens, coal, grain, vegetables, furniture and everything that -one can well imagine filled up the schools and gardens. The cattle, -unused to the change and flurry, set up a dreadful howling, which -continued long into the night. - -In one schoolroom we had the contents of a grocery store; in another the -costly furniture of one of the richest gentlemen in the town; while -several families took up their abode in the midst of the clothing, -furniture and bedding in the schools. How we all worked that day, -carrying out desks and piling them up in safe places, putting away -books, school utensils—as many as possible in the least possible space. -Every available spot on the ground was utilized, except those rooms -assigned to the private use of the Sisters, and the Boarding-school, -which was reserved for the use of the Red Cross. - -The poor people resigned themselves to these changes without complaint -or murmur; and the Sisters, notwithstanding the disorder and confusion -caused by this state of affairs, did all that was possible to assist and -make them comfortable. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - WAR. - - -It is only when a common calamity, such as this, threatens not only the -happiness, but also the very existence, of a whole nation, and the -inundating tide of misfortune rises to the very doors of rich and poor, -that the fountains of true Christian Charity spring open and lave with -refreshing draughts the parched lips of the afflicted. The same burden -that one bears on his shoulder is borne in the heart of another, who, -while alleviating the wants of his neighbor, must think of his own -approaching ruin. - -In such moments, while the seal of humble submission is stamped on the -sorrow-stricken heart of suffering humanity, the haughty arrogance of -creatures recedes before that resistless Power which shapes the -destinies of men and nations, despite the best-laid plans and -precautions. - -The work of “burning off” the houses did not proceed rapidly enough, as -the walls were of stone, and the roofs of tile or slate, and much of the -wooden furniture had been removed, so pulleys, brought into action by -electricity, were adjusted to the walls, and thus these houses, so dear -to the hearts of the people, were actually pulled over upon the ground. -Whole streets had to be leveled and all the residents left without a -shelter. Many of these did not possess the means of providing other -homes. However, the firm hope of final victory and the restoration of -their lost property sustained them in this dark and dreary hour. - -In the meantime a most terrible battle was taking place at the -fortification of Liege. Was ever attack so strong, or resistance more -determined? Belgian officers said “The enemy were twenty to one against -us; but, being obliged to face the terrible fires of the fortress, their -ranks were cut down in about the same manner as wheat it cut off by the -reaper.” “So great was the number of the Germans that they seemed to -spring up out of the ground.” “They crawled ahead on hands and feet, and -at a given signal sprang erect and fired, and then again prostrated -themselves. Thus they advanced, avoiding as much as possible the heavy -fires in front.” Another Belgian officer at the fortress during the -battle said: “It resembled a storm of fiery hailstones from a cloud of -smoke, in an atmosphere suffocating with heat and the smell of powder.” - -Eyewitnesses relate that heaps of slain, yards high, were found on the -battle field, while columns of lifeless bodies were observed in a -standing position, there being no place for the dead to fall. - -A story was told by one of the Belgian officers of a German soldier who, -when wounded by a Belgian in a hand-to-hand combat, took out a coin and -presented it. The Belgian, surprised, exclaimed “Zijt gij zot?” (Are you -crazy?) “Do you not know that I’ve broken your arm?” “Yes,” said the -German, “This is to show my gratitude for the favor you’ve rendered me, -since it gives me the opportunity of leaving the battle field.” - -Much was said about the valor of the soldiers on both sides during the -siege of Liege. The Germans were obliged to advance in the face of -destructive fires. If one should retreat, he would be pierced by the -bayonet of the soldier behind him. - -Certain it is, whether we observe the Germans as friends or foes, all -must admit that their courage, endurance and military tactics have -surprised the whole world. - -Sad it is to think that such manhood, intelligence and bravery is not -trained to love the conquests of peace. - -The Belgians, far inferior in number, fought with a valor which clearly -shows the undying love of country and of freedom which has ever been a -distinguishing characteristic of this noble-minded race. - -It is not the first time that her fields have been deluged with the -blood of her heroes, in whose honor and memory we find, in the flag of -Belgium, beside the yellow, which signifies the kingdom, a red stripe to -remind her people of the blood shed for freedom, and a black stripe in -mourning for her slain. - -While facing death in this first great battle at the fortress of Liege, -one of the soldiers began to sing the well-known national hymn, “The -Proud Flemish Lion.” Immediately the strains were taken up by the whole -regiment, and thus singing, they advanced until hundreds of them fell in -that awful conflict. - -In the heaviest of the fray we were told that King Albert had placed -himself in the lines with his soldiers. He did not desire to be called -king, but comrade. His military dress was distinguished from the others -by only a small mark on one of the sleeves. He attended to the -correspondence for his soldiers and was regarded by them as a friend and -father, under whose guidance they were ready to fight and die. - -When the siege was over he visited the wounded in many of the hospitals -and addressed each soldier in person. - -As I remember, the siege of Liege lasted about two weeks. Finally, the -strong walls of the fortress began to give way, thus demonstrating the -uselessness of the old-time means of protection when obliged to -withstand the shells and bombs of modern siege guns. - -The German officers themselves praised the valor of the Belgians. We -were told that the German commander refused to accept the sword from the -Belgian officer, unwilling to submit the latter to this humiliation, -since it was not for want of valor or through any fault of his that the -fort had to be surrendered, but on account of the superior forces of the -enemy and the all-destroying power of his heavy siege guns, some of -which were said to shoot a distance of nearly thirty miles. - -Needless to dwell upon the horrors which took place throughout the -length and breadth of the country after the entrance of the enormous -army of the Germans, whose plans had been so unexpectedly frustrated by -the determined resistance of the Belgians. - -These fought long and valiantly in expectation of assistance from the -Allies, who, unprepared for the sudden progress of the campaign, were -unable to render the necessary assistance in the beginning of the war. -This is the explanation which was given by both the French and English -as to the tardiness in the arrival of the help expected from those -countries. - -After the fall of Liege, when the enemy entered the city, the Rt. Rev. -Bishop of the diocese, the Burgomaster of the city and several others of -the more prominent residents were taken prisoners as hostages. These, as -a rule, are put to death if the requirements of the enemy be not exactly -met. - -Some time later we heard that these hostages were set at liberty. - -Then followed the destruction of many cities, towns and villages along -the route, including the noted City of Louvain, the heart of Catholic -Belgium, the principal place of her Christian educational institutions, -and the seat of her missionary forces. - -Consternation filled the minds of the Belgians at the needless -destruction of this ancient city, with its treasures of art and -sculpture, its schools, colleges, libraries, and particularly its -world-renowned university. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - THE CARNAGE OF BATTLE. - - -After the fall of Liege and Namur, the destruction of Louvain and a -number of noted cities, towns and villages, our minds were concerned -with that awe-inspiring event—the advance of the enemy to Brussels. - -Well do we remember that beautiful summer evening, when our prayers and -evening meditation in the chapel were disturbed for about an hour by the -continuous whirl of automobiles passing the Convent. We were told that -evening that it was the departure of the legislative body from Brussels -to Antwerp, with the archives and treasures of the Government. - -Our hearts seemed to grow cold and leaden within us as we sat there -hoping, praying, fearing, yet instinctively feeling the doom so rapidly -approaching. - -One gloomy, rainy day, word came that over two thousand soldiers of the -Civil Guard had lowered their weapons at the approach of the enemy and -quietly surrendered the City of Brussels, Belgium’s beautiful capital. -To have fought without fortifications against such superior forces as -the Germans possessed would have been a useless sacrifice of life. - -Strict, in the extreme, were the regulations enforced by the Germans in -the different places which they entered. They also levied enormous war -taxes. Bold and undaunted even to the verge of imprudence, as was then -remarked by the Belgians, was the conduct of Burgomaster Max, of -Brussels, in his conduct toward the enemy. - -The work of strengthening and completing the fortification of -Willebroeck, said to be amongst the strongest in the world, continued, -while a large number of soldiers, as watch guards, were constantly on -duty. - -The electricity which supplied light to the village and kept many a -motor propelling, was entirely cut off from the houses and public -buildings and concentrated at the fort. - -Two thousand workmen engaged in the paper factories of Mr. Louis De -Naeyer were out of work. Charitable ladies, aided by Madame De Naeyer, -of the Castle of Willebroeck, and assisted in the work by some of the -Sisters, met daily at the Boys’ Public School and made ready a good, -strong soup, which was dealt out in cans or pitchers to the destitute -families of these poor workmen. - -The paper factories, the Castle of Blaesvelt, belonging to a former -Belgian Ambassador to Washington, whose wife was a native of that city, -and the large and newly equipped breweries of the Erix families, were -stripped of their machinery and made to serve as fortresses by boring -holes through their walls for the reception of cannon and -_mettrailleusen_ (machine guns). The paper factory itself, commanding a -good position near the bridge of the canal, was so arranged that it -could be flooded at a moment’s warning; and this was actually done, as -we were informed by the refugees in England, when the battle at the -fortress took place prior to the fall of Antwerp. - -During the progress of the campaign in the vicinity at that time, -several occurrences affected, in a great measure, every aspect of daily -life for the quiet residents of Willebroeck, and particularly for the -Sisters, unaccustomed as they were to any participation in the affairs -of the world, except such as were imperative for the direction and -maintenance of their schools. - -These were: First, the arrival of the Red Cross and wounded soldiers, -some six weeks before our departure from Antwerp; second, the return of -the army; third, the flight of the refugees; fourth, the daily -increasing and ever nearer approaching roar of the cannonade. - -One afternoon in the middle of August a large, heavy wagon was drawn -into the yard. It bore the flag of the Red Cross on top, and on the side -in great white letters the words “Military Hospital.” - -In a few minutes a fleshy little gentleman, who at once distinguished -himself as the “Chef” (chief), and a number of other gentlemen, about -thirty-five in all, wearing white bands with red crosses on their arms, -and long white linen coats over their uniforms, such as bakers sometimes -wear, were seen hurrying to and fro, unpacking and carrying their -various instruments and utensils to the operating room. - -A military chaplain and four or more doctors accompanied the group. All -except the chaplain were dressed in uniform. Several young ladies of -Willebroeck, former members of our Boarding-school, dressed in white and -wearing the head-dress and arm-band of the Red Cross, came next day and -graciously presented themselves to aid in taking care of the wounded. - -The services rendered by the Red Cross in time of war is simply -inestimable. “When circumstances permit, there are three different posts -or places where the wounded are treated,” said the village doctor who -assisted in training the young lady volunteers to the Red Cross army. -“The first post is only a few yards distant from the battle field and as -near as possible to the firing line. This post is very dangerous. Only -volunteers are sent there, as a rule. The members go out on the field in -search of the wounded, amid the continual bursting of partially exploded -shells. One careless step may cause serious wounds or instant death. -Then again, after a battle has been fought, there is occasional -shooting, even in the night; but the members of the Red Cross have -consecrated themselves to the service of the sick and wounded soldiers, -and God gives them strength and courage according to their necessities.” - -When found, the wounded are brought into the first post on stretchers or -in ambulance wagons, and only those attentions which are absolutely -necessary are given. Then they are taken to the second post or hospital, -where a more thorough examination takes place and the necessary -operations are performed, which consist principally in the extraction of -bullets, setting and amputation of broken limbs, etc. - -Here they remain until they become convalescent, unless the number of -wounded soldiers increases to such a degree as to prevent proper care -being taken of them, in which case they are taken away to a third -hospital, where they are supposed to remain until their wounds are -entirely healed. Then they ardently desire, if not maimed, to return -again to the front. - -When a seriously wounded soldier is brought into the hospital, he is -stripped of his clothing, wrapped in a sheet and carried to the -operating room. This service is rendered by the gentlemen of the Red -Cross. One or more of the lady nurses assist at the operation. If the -soldier is mortally wounded and there is apprehension of immediate -dissolution, he remains in the sheets and is lovingly cared for by these -gentlemen until death occurs. Then the body is rolled in the sheet, -placed in a coffin and buried the next day. - -Coffins were provided by our village for the soldiers who died in our -hospital. One day nine were carried away to the cemetery; another day, -two; then one or two. Several were dead or at the point of death when -they were brought into the hospital. - -One poor factory woman came inquiring for her husband. We did not dare -tell her that he died immediately when brought in, but left this sad -task for Rev. Mother Superior. - -On another day a woman and her daughter-in-law came from a great -distance inquiring for her son, the young woman’s husband. Heart-rending -was their anguish when they were told that he was already a week buried. -These and numberless cases of like character indicate what war is, even -when viewed from a favorable standpoint. - -All the clothing of the wounded soldiers was carried at once to our new -steam laundry, where it underwent a most thorough washing and -disinfection. This clothing was, for the most part, stiff with mud, -saturated with blood and badly torn. When dried it was given back to -those in charge of the army. The Sisters and servant-maids performed -this work. They were assisted by the women refugees of Willebroeck, -whose houses were burned off on account of the fortress. Washing took -place every day and continued until late in the night. - -The condition of the poor maimed soldiers was sad to behold. One man, we -were told by the Red Cross nurses, had twenty bullets in his body; -another was pierced through the lung by a bayonet; one, aged twenty, -lost an arm to the shoulder; one had only one or two fingers left on the -hand; one was crazed by a bullet which touched the brain; another was -shot through the mouth, the bullet lodging in the back of the throat. -His case was especially distressing, his the most intense suffering of -all. He lived for a week without eating, drinking or speaking. - -Three wounded Germans were brought in, being picked up on the battle -field by members of our division of the Red Cross. They seemed greatly -distressed and afraid, positively refusing to touch food or drink of -which the Sisters or nurses did not first partake. One was a German -lieutenant, under whose direction, as he himself admitted, great damage -had been done in one of the large cities. He was given the distinction -of a bed among the Belgian officers. He was very ill at ease in their -presence, in the beginning, but becoming reassured and observing the -impartiality of Sisters and nurses, he desired to remain in our hospital -rather than be removed to a third post. - -One day we were called upon to witness a most sorrowful sight. A small -farmer’s wagon drove up to the gate, bearing the lifeless bodies of two -children, a girl aged eight and her brother, aged fourteen. The mother -and a smaller child were also in the wagon. The mother related that they -were taking flight as refugees. Seeing the enemy, they hastened to -retreat, and were fired at by the soldiers. The children, who were in -the back part of the wagon, were struck and wounded in a most frightful -manner. The little girl’s face was nearly all torn off, and the back of -the boy’s head had been shattered. - -At the approach of Belgian soldiers, who fired at the enemy, the mother -was enabled to pick up the lifeless bodies of her children, put them -into the wagon and drive with them to our hospital, which was the -nearest post. - -These people were from Nieuwenrode, Province of Brabant. It was said -that many German soldiers were in ambush, in this region, although no -battle had occurred there. The Doctors Van Everbroeck and DeLatte, who -examined the bodies of these children, stated that they were shot at a -distance of twenty meters. - -The mother, suffering greatly from the shock, and the remaining child -were taken to the village hospital. - -Flour, soap and washing soda were supplied by the Government for the use -of the soldiers. The Sisters performed the work and used a great deal of -their own provisions for the wounded. A large quantity of linen for -sheets, gowns and hand towels, was supplied by the “Chef” of the Red -Cross. The Sisters, when not engaged in other work, spent the time in -folding, hemming and stitching these articles and in preparing surgical -dressings for the wounded. - -Several Sisters and at least two lady nurses remained in charge of the -different wards day and night. The most perfect order and discipline -prevailed. The wounded soldiers who were at all able to get around -walked in the garden or rested and visited with their families, who came -to see them. - -The tender care of mothers for their children could not surpass the -devoted kindness of the members of the Red Cross in their services to -the wounded. Nothing that could be done to assist or alleviate their -sufferings was omitted. The soldiers were to each other as brothers of -one family. We have seen them carrying in, on stretchers, their weary, -foot-sore comrades, and with the tenderest care take off the clumsy, -muddy shoes, gently strip the blistered feet of the coarse stockings -and, on bended knees, bathe and bandage them. - -The first division of the Red Cross which came to our Hospital was with -us about five weeks. One evening about seven o’clock, some time after -Brussels had been occupied by the Germans, a dispatch came to the “Chef” -commanding the Red Cross to leave Willebroeck at once and go to another -station. Again there was hurrying to and fro. The large wagon was opened -and everything hastily packed in. In the different wards the poor -wounded soldiers, obliged to leave their beds, were sitting silent and -motionless, while tears were in their eyes. Later in the night motor -cars came and took them all away. The German lieutenant, on account of -the condition in which he was found by the physicians, could not be -removed at that time and remained until the departure of the second -ambulance. - -Preparations for the departure of the Red Cross continued most of the -night. With the continual running back and forth, and the noise produced -by taking up and laying down boxes and bundles, there was no rest to be -obtained. - -Before seven in the morning all the wards were empty. One or two -soldiers, whose condition did not permit of their removal, still -remained. All noise and commotion had ceased and the silence of death -reigned in the house. - -A day or two of repose would have been a welcome boon to the Sisters, -who were much fatigued at that time. However, rest was impossible, as we -obtained a message that another division of the Red Cross was on its way -to our hospital. So it happened that all the rooms and various -apartments had to be cleaned and rearranged at once. This work took -place immediately. Two days later, although the pungent smell of -disinfectants still pervaded the air, every ward was as neat and clean -as if no wounded soldiers, no death, nor sorrow had entered there. - -We did not know the cause of the sudden departure of the Red Cross, as -the strictest secrecy was observed by the officers of the army; but we -remarked a little later that this departure was necessary on account of -the rapid advance of the fast-approaching enemy and the evident -possibility of a heavy pitched battle at the fortress. In such a case -the convalescent could not remain longer than was absolutely necessary. -They were obliged to go in order to make place for the numerous wounded -who were yet to come. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - THE RETURN OF THE ARMY. - - -A little after four o’clock one afternoon, shortly before the departure -of the first division of the Red Cross, our attention was attracted by -the heavy and continuous tread of cavalry and soldiers passing along the -street. It was the Belgian army returning from a long and tiresome -march. - -Here was found a different kind of suffering from that which was -ministered to in the hospital. Hunger and fatigue were stamped upon the -countenance of each of these men, who, about a month before were -industrious citizens at their daily occupations. - -We saw them marching away in the early morning some time before, full of -courage and patriotic zeal. For what reason they all marched off, or -where they were going, we knew not; but were informed later by one of -the officers that while on the march they had been attacked by the -enemy, who were stealthily concealed, and fired into their ranks from -both sides of the road. Several of the soldiers were killed and a large -number wounded, but, having retreated promptly and in order, no great -loss of life was sustained. - -There were in the ranks priests, in their long black cassocks, wearing -the arm-band of the Red Cross, who, as volunteer chaplains, had joined -the army and were ever at the service of the soldiers on the march, and -even on the battle field. We were informed that priests, and those -preparing for the priesthood, were not obliged to serve in the army in -times of peace; but, in case of war, they may be called upon to serve as -military chaplains. When the present war broke out, hundreds of them -joined as volunteers, marching in the ranks with the soldiers and -undergoing their sufferings and hardships. - -Many doctors rode along in motor cars. They were distinguished by a -special dark-colored uniform, with a red collar and gilded trimmings. -They also wore the arm-band of the Red Cross. Officers on horseback led -each division of the army. The faces of all were disfigured with sweat -and dust, while dust in abundance covered shoes and clothing. Some were -staggering along, unable to walk straight, owing to the hard shoes and -blistered feet. Hollow-cheeked, and with eyes which seemed to protrude -from their sockets, they passed along, piteously imploring a morsel of -bread. - -Fortunately, the abundant supply of bread in the Convent had just been -increased by the addition of forty of those immense loaves found only in -Belgium. All of this was hastily cut, buttered and, with baskets full of -pears, dealt out, piece by piece, to the passing soldiers, until, -finally, only a small portion remained over for the supper of the -wounded remaining in the hospital. - -The servant maids went out to the village later in search of bread, but -there was not a loaf to be found anywhere. All had been given to the -soldiers. Two Sisters and one of the maids remained up all night. The -oven was again heated and the usual supply of bread doubled. - -Every large locale in the village from which, by the way, all -non-resident refugees were obliged to depart, received the various -divisions of the army which were allotted to them. About two hundred -soldiers were assigned to those parts of our Parochial School unoccupied -by the village refugees or not in use by the Red Cross. - -Before the command was given to enter the schools, we saw soldiers, -among whom were also priests, lying on the ground on the opposite side -of the street, even as horses which, having run a great distance, fall -down from sheer exhaustion. Some of these, we learned afterwards, did -not have their shoes off in nearly three weeks. The socks, hard and worn -out, were in some cases stamped into the blistered feet in such a manner -as to cause excruciating pain. In some cases the feet were so painful -and swollen that the patients had to be carried in on stretchers. In the -meantime, several ambulance wagons had stopped at the school gate, and -numerous wounded were carried in. - -When finally one division entered d’Externat, a hasty search was begun -for hay and straw. All that could be found was carried into the garret -of the schools and the empty classrooms. - -The refugees of Willebroeck were very generous to the soldiers, giving -them all the provisions which they could find. Many soldiers were seen -with pails in their hands in search of water. Of this there was a good -supply on the place, and more could readily be obtained at the cistern -which was connected with the canal. In a short time they were refreshed -and cleansed from the dust and sweat of that long and tiresome march, -and were observed sitting in groups on the grass which surrounded the -school. - -Soon after a large door, which one of the refugees carried away from his -house in the village before it was burned, was found. This was laid on -two small heaps of stone, so as to form a table. About half an ox was -procured and a large part of it chopped into small pieces and put into a -big iron kettle, which was then filled with water. The kettle was placed -on a wood fire kindled in the garden, and potatoes and other ingredients -put into it. After a time it began to boil in a lively manner, greatly -to the satisfaction of those poor hungry men who were so patiently -waiting for their supper. When this finally was ready, the knapsacks -were opened and each took out a spoon and a small tin can, the cover of -which served for plate, cup and saucer. - -Probably the German General Staff failed to enjoy their bounteous supper -that evening as well as did the poor Belgian soldiers their soup on the -cool green grass. It must be remarked that each division was under the -direction of an officer, who placed armed guards at the gates and -passages. Perfect order prevailed. They talked quietly among themselves -and remained strictly within the places assigned to their use; only once -in a while one of them would knock at the kitchen door and ask for a can -of water, which was soon understood to mean a can of cold coffee. This -was never refused, and the grateful “Mercie” (thanks) was ample reward -for the service rendered. - -That night passed quietly. The soldiers had a good opportunity to rest -on the hay and straw which had been provided. Some of them were astir at -a very early hour. The large kettle was again placed over the fire and -filled with water for the soldiers’ breakfast of bread and black coffee. -Their only fear was that a message to depart would arrive before they -would have a chance of “Coffie drinken” (drinking coffee, or breakfast). - -At about eight o’clock one evening during the stay of the soldiers an -excited group of eight men and two boys ran wildly into the yard through -the gate, which had been left open for the soldiers not yet arrived. -Great drops of sweat were on their faces. They were out of breath from -running, and greatly excited. Some were bare-footed, having lost or -thrown away their wooden shoes in the great haste to escape the enemy, -who, they related, had entered a village three or four miles distant and -had taken as prisoners a number of citizens and placed them in front of -their own ranks. The boys had lost their parents in the confusion which -ensued and were crying bitterly. They found a resting place somewhere in -the schools that night and departed early next morning, because -non-resident refugees were not permitted to remain after the arrival of -the Red Cross. - -The soldiers were called away several times for short intervals, after -which they again returned for a rest. Thus the month of August passed. -The frightful campaign progressed slowly but surely. Several times we -had seen the hostile aeroplane, with its shining armor glittering in the -sunshine, flying gracefully over our schools. How we then feared for our -wounded, so helplessly lying within these same walls. One morning, about -three o’clock, we were suddenly awakened by heavy, oft-repeated -shooting, which seemed to proceed from the farther end of our garden. -The alarm was caused by the appearance of an aeroplane soaring as a huge -bird over the fortress. Mettrailleusen opened fire upon it, and the -unwelcome visitor soon disappeared. However, we all feared its -reappearance in the night. For this reason the towns and cities were -kept in total darkness from eight o’clock in the evening, and -searchlights illumined the dark clouds over and around the fortresses -and other places of particular importance. - -About this time we were informed that several thousand of the enemy’s -soldiers were digging trenches and fortifying themselves on all sides of -us. Every newspaper brought fresh tidings of most inhuman atrocities -which filled the minds of the people with unspeakable horror. - -In Belgium it was neither the German nation nor her soldiers, considered -as a whole, who were held responsible for these awful outrages, because -it was well known that there were among them many noble characters and -Christians, renowned for their piety and fidelity to God and country, -who were sacrificing their lives for what they thought to be a just and -holy cause and whose families were also suffering and sorrowing at home. - -It was alone, as should be known by everyone, the Godless element in the -German army, led on and sustained by equally Godless officers, who -encouraged, permitted and probably commanded those crimes, as we infer -from the testimony of German wounded soldiers in our Red Cross -hospitals. “If we do not shoot, burn and pillage,” said one of them, “we -shall be shot ourselves.” - -It seems incredible that any one claiming Christian convictions of any -creed or country, could have acted as did the so-called barbarians who -despoiled many of the most beautiful cities, towns and villages of -Belgium. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - ANXIOUS DAYS. - - -Early one morning, while passing through the yard, we heard what seemed -to be peals of distant thunder. We looked around to see if a storm was -approaching, but as the sun shone brightly and not a cloud was to be -seen in the sky, we soon realized what this dismal sound implied. On -entering the Convent, we found several of our members standing by the -map of Belgium, tracing the route of portions of the German army then -endeavoring to force their way through to Antwerp. - -The firing heard in the garden came from the bombardment of the City of -Mechelen. The first attack did not continue so long, nor was the damage -so great, as in the attacks which followed. The noise of the cannonade -increased from that day forward. Hardly a day or night passed without -bringing the unwelcome sound from one or the other direction. It often -happened that, having retired at a late hour after a long and fatiguing -day’s work, the short repose was interrupted by the explosion of bombs -or cannon balls, which, although then at a safe distance from our -village, was none the less terrifying. - -In this most cruel war battles continued in the night as well as in the -day. When time was asked by either army to remove the wounded, it was -refused, because each mistrusted the motives of the other, thinking -that, instead of removing the wounded, they would utilize the time thus -gained in preparing for another attack. - -About the first of September we went to Antwerp for a day or two. While -on the train we saw the wires stretched from place to place, and heard -explained the intended use of electricity at the fortress. Antwerp was -at that time, still and peaceful, as a child who slumbered, feeling -perfectly safe within her lines of fortifications. About eight o’clock -in the evening every light had to be put out, and the place resembled a -city of the dead. - -On returning about twelve o’clock on Sunday, with the Sister who -accompanied me, we found some wounded brought in, who were pierced by -bayonets at a short distance from our house. Their condition was -critical, but they recovered sufficiently to be taken to Antwerp within -the following week. - -A day or two later, while crossing the yard, we suddenly heard that -sissing, crackling sound of a shell or bomb flying through the air in -the direction of the church spire which towered above the walls of the -Convent chapel. Several others followed in quick succession. All the -convalescent soldiers who were in the yard, the Sisters and ladies in -the garden, hastened to take refuge in the cellars. - -We feared for the wounded soldiers within, who could not leave their -beds. Soon the attack was answered by a heavy volley from the fortress, -and the cannonade continued until early next morning. - -A day or two later one of the refugees visited the place where the -cannonade of the fortress had swept the entire region as if a tornado -had passed over it. On returning he related that parts of human bodies -hung on the trees and filled the hedges. - -When the danger became imminent, the older Sisters and those who were -ill, or in any way disabled, were advised by the Rev. Superior to seek -refuge in the more secluded mission houses of the Community, and to all -who desired, permission was given to do the same, or to return to their -families for the time being. This was done on account of the -inadvisability of any one’s remaining at the convent during a battle, -since the buildings were in close proximity to the fortress. - -Some of the Sisters packed their trunks and sent them to the homes of -their families. This precaution did not avail much, as the families of -many of our members had to leave their homes as refugees and probably -lost all their personal property. - -Although all were permitted to seek safety in other places, only the -older members and two or three of the younger Sisters availed themselves -of the opportunity. All save these gathered around the Superior and her -assistant, and promised voluntarily to remain to the very last to assist -in the care of the wounded, whose number increased daily since the -arrival of the second division of the Red Cross. - -On several occasions spies were arrested in Willebroeck and taken away. -Some were arrested in Brussels and Antwerp in the garb of priests. It -was authoritatively reported that supplies of weapons and ammunition, -among which was dynamite, were found in public buildings in Antwerp, -carefully hidden away in the basements. This aroused distrust on the -part of the Belgians for the resident Germans, whom they had always -treated with the greatest confidence and respect. - -The result was that all the Germans then in Belgium were expelled from -the country and had to return to their own land. This was, indeed, a -hardship for the unoffending resident Germans, whose homes for years had -been in the cities and towns of this little kingdom. - -We retired at a late hour one night amid the incessant booming of -cannon. Scarcely were our eyes closed when some one passed in the -dormitory and knocked at each door. “Ave Maria” was the quiet greeting. -“Deo Gratias,” the response. “What is it?” was asked. “The Germans have -entered and are crossing the bridge,” was the reply. - -With beating heart and trembling limbs, each sprang up and was dressed -in a few minutes. In a state of great excitement, all stood in the hall -ready to receive orders from the Superior, who had gone downstairs to -make inquiries about the situation. At the first sound of the alarm a -party of soldiers and their officer went out to ascertain the facts in -the case, as the bridge where the enemy were said to be crossing was not -far distant. - -All the inhabitants of the village were on the alert. By the time the -Sisters were ready to depart, the soldiers had returned, whose officer -laughingly related that it was only a party of Belgian “Lanciers” in -gray uniform, whom the Burgomaster of Blaesvelt had mistaken for German -soldiers, and thought it his duty to spread the alarm. - -All retired quietly to their rooms once more, but no one rested much the -remainder of the night. - -Then followed anxious days for the residents of Willebroeck, who -expected momentarily to hear the alarm clock in the church tower give -notice to flee for their lives. The officers of the Belgian army were -very sanguine, and assured the Superior and those in charge of the -wounded that timely notice would be given if the danger increased. - -Nevertheless, the crackling of shells, the heavy cannonade from the -fortress and field cannon, and the occasional proximity of those hostile -aeroplanes, together with the reports of atrocities and destruction -taking place around us, were fearsome in the extreme. - -In striking contrast to the noise and commotion on all sides, was the -calm tranquility which reigned in the chapel. The Sacred Heart stretched -forth that same Fatherly hand which assisted the apostle sinking on the -Sea of Galilee. The altar was still and solitary, but the little red -light flickered in the sanctuary lamp and told of Him whose word alone -stilled the winds and calmed the angry waves. - -In the circumstances which then existed, one would almost envy the dead -resting so quietly in the old-time vault, in the shadow of the -tabernacle. - -Lights were forbidden after a certain hour, but the moon shone through -the stained windows and wrought fantastic designs on the gilded molding, -while the mild and peaceful looks which characterize the images of the -saints told of heroism and victories won on the battle field of life, in -the pursuit of peace and sanctity, and carried the mind to that future -and better life where neither the pride, avarice, nor ambition of man -can ever destroy the eternal peace, nor break the impregnable union of -hearts. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - THE FLIGHT OF THE REFUGEES. - - -While the aforesaid events were taking place, sorrowful scenes were -witnessed along the streets. Our attention and sympathies were -particularly attracted to the flight of the refugees. In this case we -could give no material assistance, as we were able to do in other cases. - -For hours and days and weeks the doleful procession passed along the -streets; a living stream made up of all ranks and classes of society. -Here were seen the poor old farmer’s household, whose sons had gone to -the front; and young married women, with small children in their arms or -by their sides, whose husbands had to don the soldier’s uniform and go -to the war. The sick, the old and the feeble were taken from their beds -of suffering and, with shawls or blankets thrown over their shoulders, -placed in carts or wagons and carried away, perhaps, to perish by the -roadside. We have seen cripples and small children hurriedly driven -along the street in wheelbarrows. - -Packages carried on their arms, on their backs, or in little carts were -about all that the poor people could take, and all that they desired, so -confident were they of a speedy return to their homes. - -On another day about the end of August, the unbroken line which filed -through the street at noon was, without any interruption, passing -through at twelve o’clock that night. As the cities, towns and villages -were, for the most part, taken by surprise, or bombarded without having -received any notice, the civilians had no alternative but to collect a -few necessary articles of clothing, and in some cases a loaf of bread, -and flee in haste from their homes, leaving crops, cattle, furniture and -all their possessions to the fury of the flames and the tide of -destruction, so rapidly sweeping down upon them. - -Many people of the wealthier class, anticipating what was to come, had -packed trunks and boxes with clothing and other personal property and -sent them away to what was considered safe quarters. Then they moved -away within the fortifications of Antwerp, where it was thought the -enemy could not enter. Others, in the firm hope that the war would soon -be over and that they would be able to return to their homesteads in a -few days, left everything untouched and fled from city to village and -from town to town. We met parties of acquaintances in Antwerp who had -changed their places of residence nine times within one month, and then -were obliged to leave Antwerp in a day or two. - -Some let their cattle run loose in the meadows. These were shot down or -taken by the soldiers, or appropriated by any one who desired. - -It was most pitiful to see these poor people, whose only object was to -get away as far as possible from the scenes of conflict. Some carried -small loaves of bread; others had a little hay or straw in their wagons; -some led a cow or two; others two or three pigs. In some of the carts we -recognized faces of our former pupils, who only one short month before -were longing for the pleasant vacation days. Their fathers or brothers -were in the army, and their homes forsaken. Some children had lost their -parents and were crying piteously. When the Sisters left the parish -church, where they daily took part in the public devotions for peace, -they were besieged by hundreds of these poor, half-frantic refugees, -beseeching shelter over night in the church or schools, which were -already full to overflowing. The days were warm and pleasant, but the -nights were very chilly and sometimes rainy. Where would those poor -people go and what could they do without food or shelter for all those -little children? The friendly stars looked down from the realms above -upon thousands who lay along the roadside, while others crowded the -barns and country schools, or made rude tent-like shelters in the bed of -the new canal. - -This canal would have been opened in September with great festivities, -over which King Albert was expected to preside. - -Peace or security was nowhere to be found. The war-chased people fled -from place to place for weeks, fearful and famishing, until the kindly -and protecting arms of England and Holland received them, and the noble -hearts and hands of American women united to provide food and clothing -for those who fled, and for the others also who would not, or could not, -leave their own country. - -While cheerfully and gratefully testifying to what has been accomplished -in this country, and the great amount of money spent in alleviating the -sufferings caused by this sanguinary conflict, it does seem sad to think -that American manufacturers will continue to supply weapons and -ammunition to any of the belligerent countries. It reminds one of a -great conflagration, in which the firemen exert themselves to subdue the -flames, while a few pour on oil to replenish the fire. This will be a -lasting reproach to those engaged in this destroying traffic. “There is -no pocket in a shroud,” and the bloodstained money obtained in this -manner will not assuage the pain and grief of the orphan and widow, nor -will it purchase redemption at the judgment seat above. - -As the danger increased, difficulties in the way of traveling also -increased. Passports, upon which were indicated the distinguishing -characteristics of the bearer, had to be obtained before leaving one’s -place of residence, if only for one hour; and such passports could only -be used in the vicinity in which they were issued. - -To go to Antwerp, or any of the cities or towns at a distance, one’s -passport had to bear his or her portrait, sealed by the Burgomaster of -the town or city wherein he resided. If these requirements were not -complied with, a person would not be permitted to pass through the gate -of a city or enter even an ordinary depot. - -A great number of refugees found their way ultimately within the -fortified City of Antwerp. They were seen for a day or two in solitary -groups in the public park, or in tents along the streets. In a large -school near the Palace of Justice fifteen hundred found refuge for a few -days, and were then directed to leave. - -The authorities, becoming alarmed about the food and water supplies of -the city, and fearing contagion or disease, compelled all refugees who -were not obliged to leave their homes on account of fortifications, to -leave the city within a specified time. Large numbers of these poor, -homeless people, many of whom were of gentle birth and wealthy, were -obliged to crowd into freight cars which had been used for the -transportation of cattle, and were thus carried away to Ghent or Ostend. -From Ostend they were shipped to England. Many had previously left -Antwerp for Holland. In these countries thousands of them will -prayerfully await the dawn of peace, which will decide the future -destiny of their country. - -The events already related occurred between the first of August and the -27th of September. Sunday, September 27, passed off quietly in -Willebroeck, although refugees filed through the streets continually, -and the booming of cannon was heard in the surrounding towns. The sky -was leaden and a somber, smoky atmosphere hung over the country and -caused a feeling of sadness and uncertainty. - -In the evening one of the refugees returned from a hurried visit to the -scene of his former home, and related to his daughter, who anxiously -awaited his arrival, that the enemy had made great headway. “Tomorrow -will be the last day in which it will be safe to remain in Willebroeck,” -said he to those who stood there. - -In a few minutes the report was circulated on all sides. Sisters, on -hearing it, remarked, “Nonsense! What God protects is well protected; we -must not be alarmed, but patiently await the accomplishment of God’s -holy will.” Monday’s papers brought news of another bombardment of the -City of Mechelen (Malines), a short distance from Willebroeck. - -Following are a few quotations from that morning’s paper (Antwerp’s -_Handelsblad_, Monday, September 28, 1914): “While on the train this -morning, before entering the station of Mechelen, our attention was -attracted by the multitudes who, in the greatest haste, took flight -through the Zandpoortvest. They were the residents of Muysen. The German -troops, about eight hundred strong, were there at half-past seven; thus -the people had no alternative but to take flight as rapidly as possible. -The enemy shot upon some refugees, and the ten-year-old son of Desiré -Horckmans was shot in the car where he was sitting, and Mrs. Arm Beulens -was seriously wounded. ‘This was only a sign of what was yet to come.’ - -“Scarcely had we reached the station, at half-past eight, when we heard -the heavy roar of cannon, followed by terrific explosions, such as we -had never before heard. All the people who had come from the direction -of Antwerp took flight through the side streets. At every explosion it -seemed as if an earthquake shook the ground under foot. So heavy were -the shocks that many people fell. - -“On the Schuttersvest, we found refuge in a cellar, while one volley -followed another. The explosions were deafening. Every pane of glass in -the vicinity was broken in pieces. In several places the stones were -forced out of the pavements and thrown to a great distance, while bombs -pierced the ground to the depth of two meters. - -“One can judge the terror in which the residents of Mechelen tried to -find a place of safety. The cannonade was awful, as was also the ‘Gesis’ -(sissing noise) of the bombs which flew over the streets and, exploding, -spread fire, death and destruction in every direction. - -“A bomb fell just in front of the railroad station, making a pit in the -ground three ‘meters’ in diameter. The place was covered with stones, -which were violently jerked out of the ground. The station is -half-demolished. No one is there to be seen except the lifeless body of -an elderly gentleman who, with his face to the ground, is stretched out -on the floor of the waiting-room. - -“The beautiful buildings belonging to the Little Sisters of the Poor, -and many other noted buildings have been totally destroyed. Thus it was -in the few places which we have visited. What will it be in other -places? All the streets through which we passed were covered with glass -and stones. In all the city there is not a pane of glass which remains -whole. All day long the Duffel highway was black with refugees, which -makes us conclude that all Mechelen has taken flight.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - THE RESULTS OF WAR. - - -Centuries ago, when Attila, known in history as the “Scourge of God,” -led his army of Huns through the fertile fields of Europe, we read that -he gazed upon the ruin which he had caused his soldiers to perpetrate on -all sides, and cried out, “I am the hammer of the world, the grass grows -no more where my horse has trod.” - -Well may these same words be applied to the armed forces now dominating -the devastated plains and meadows of what was once peaceful Belgium. - -When one passes through the masses of falling debris and looks upon the -remains of cities and villages which have stood for ages and in whose -monuments and public buildings a more than human strength and beauty -seemed enclosed, it appears that the Angel of Destruction has extended -his deadly sceptre over the works of man and congealed those streams of -life which once flowed through the streets now deserted and homes made -desolate by the unheard-of ferocity of civilized man. - -When we try to estimate the amount of time, labor, wealth and industry -required to build up these beautiful places, now stripped of their -grandeur, devoid of life, and crumbling into dust, we become awestruck -at sight of such desolation. The nothingness of the much-prized -materialism becomes apparent in the ruins of man’s grandest -achievements, and involuntarily we are moved to cry out, “Vanity of -vanities! all is vanity,” which the evolutions of time can change into -dust and ashes. - -Again the cruel hand of war is seen in the country homes, whose rustic -beauty among the groves and green meadows so often aroused the spirit of -song and fascinated the lover of Nature in his rambles. The churches -whose cross-crowned spires, wherein the “Klokken” (chimes) so often -pealed forth the call to prayer, are now abandoned, and their battered -walls and broken windows look sadly down upon the deserted homesteads -from which life has passed away. - -The schools no more re-echo the gay sounds of children’s voices, while -the famishing little ones and their destitute parents are dying of -hunger and privation or begging at the stranger’s door. The colleges and -libraries have delivered their volumes to the fury of the flames, and -the withering blight has scorched the fresh verdure of those well-kept -gardens and shady lawns where kings and princes dwelt. - -Castles have been made into fortresses to conceal cannon and machine -guns, while the deafening roar of exploding bombs replaces the gay music -of ball and banquet room. - -The red glow of the burning city illumines the evening sky and reveals -in the darkness the ghastly spectres of partially demolished walls of -the stateliest buildings which stand out amid the ever-increasing ruins. - -War has desecrated the churches where angels knelt around the Holy of -Holies, and where the daily Holocaust of Love, and the offering of -praise and prayers perpetuated communion between earth and heaven. Have -the angels left the altar at sight of the sacrilege committed in their -presence, or did they weep when the merciless bomb struck the house of -God and wounded the worshipers there? - -Behold the terror-stricken congregation leaving St. Rombout’s Cathedral -and taking flight through the streets of Mechelen, amid the falling -walls and bursting pavements. Weeks later we shall meet them again as -refugees in London, Leeds and Bradford, seeking food and shelter in the -land of exile. - -See that little coffin, less than two feet long! It seems so -conspicuous, exposed there among the coffins of several soldiers who -died that night in our hospital. This small casket contained the remains -of a little angel about two months old, who was struck in the arms of -her mother by a piece of exploded shell. - -This woman had hurriedly left her home during the second bombardment of -the city of Mechelen and, having run for some distance, sat down by the -way to rest, when the fatal shell exploded, a piece of which mortally -wounded the little one in her arms. Both were brought to our hospital -that night and lovingly cared for until about morning, when the innocent -spirit fled to join the army of the blessed who inherit the realms of -eternal peace. - -Poor mother was left alone to bemoan the loss of her little one and to -weep over her desolate home. - -When one meets the ambulance wagons loaded with suffering, mutilated men -who a few weeks before were sustaining heads of happy households; when -one sees the dark red stream flowing from ghastly wounds and splashes of -blood on all sides; when one observes the pallor of death on the strong -man’s face, while a comrade with tender pity bends over to obtain a last -message for home; when one hears the despairing wail of orphan and -widow; when one has watched the endless procession of terror-stricken -refugees whose homes have become the prey of the cannon, when one hears -repeatedly the sad experience of these exiles on their journeys from -place to place, lying on hay or straw, in barns, in schools, on the bare -ground, or in the basin of the empty canal, when one meditates on those -perverse circumstances which have changed civilized men into savage -brutes—then we also agree that “The world has gone back a thousand -years,” while a presentiment as of impending disaster passes over the -earth and depresses each individual heart. - -“Cast yourselves upon the knees and pray for victory,” cry out Christian -monarchs to their soldiers, and, nevertheless, the God to whom they pray -is witness to the wanton desecration of His churches and the wholesale -destruction of life, liberty and property. - -From the dark abodes of despair, the cohorts of satan seem to have taken -possession of the world and filled it with vice and wretchedness, until -it resembles the “abomination of desolation” referred to in Holy Writ. - -To know what war is, it would be necessary to possess eyes to behold all -the sin and vice; all the ruin and destruction; ears to hear every -despairing cry and agonizing wail; a mind to comprehend all the misery -and desolation, and a heart to feel the anguish in the heart of each -suffering fellow-creature, from the moment the first shot was fired down -through ages yet to come, until the twilight of times, brighter in -prospect, than the daylight of the present generation shall obscure the -last shadows of the unholy conflict. - -To realize what war really means, we should give consideration to the -moral and physical degeneration of these sufferers and of their -descendants; to the hatred, lust, passion, wilful murder and other high -crimes against God and nature, engendered and committed, not in the -moment of strong individual anger and passion, but as the result of a -well-calculated plan, with profound forethought, called by some -“strategy.” - -“War is justifiable only, if it is the necessary means for securing -peace.” (His Eminence, Cardinal Mercier.) May we humbly add, _then only -as the last resort_. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - OUR DEPARTURE. - - -Monday, September 28, witnessed the scenes of sorrow and desolation in -and around Mechelen and vicinity described in the foregoing chapters. -Many of the residents of Willebroeck had already taken flight, and the -others were preparing to leave. - -The Sisters, wholly absorbed in their work for the wounded, and relying -on the word of the Belgian officers, that timely warning would be given -as to the necessity of departure, had as yet no idea of joining the -throngs of refugees who continuously filed through the main street. - -The shocks of the cannonade from the fortress caused the buildings to -tremble on their foundations, while the ground under foot seemed -agitated as by an earthquake. A large number of wounded soldiers had -been brought in the night before, and three or four lay dead in the -mortuary. - -Our Sisters and servant maids, as also the generous women refugees of -Willebroeck, continued their sickening task in the laundry. In wooden -shoes they stood at those large cement tubs while suds and blood-dyed -water streamed over the stone floor. - -Since the cutting of the electric wires the motor which kept the -machines in action could no longer be used for the laundry or for the -bakery. This greatly increased the work in both places. - -Large, vicious-looking black flies, before unseen in or about the place, -probably attracted by the odor of blood, buzzed around in a most -disagreeable manner. - -The whole scene left an ineffaceable impression of sadness and horror at -the unwonted ferocity of civilized man. - -Night closed in again, but brought neither rest nor consolation. Fearing -to retire, some of the Sisters remained in the chapel, while others -spent the tedious hours of that dreary night in the refectory or -adjoining rooms, and kept busy making surgical dressings for the -wounded, of whom a larger number than usual had been brought into the -hospital. - -At intervals during the night the cannonade was heard, while the -searchlights of the fortress penetrated the clouds on the lookout for -the murderous Zeppelins. Morning came at last, with an increase of work -and anguish. The enemy, with their usual determination, were trying to -force their way through to Antwerp, while the Belgians were equally -determined to prevent them, or to at least check their progress. - -On Tuesday, September 29, the daily routine of the Convent took place as -usual until noon, when the cannonade became terrific. A balloon, the -meaning of which we did not know, had been sent up by the enemy. Some -said it was to discover the position of the Belgians and, if possible, -ascertain their strength. The Reverend Superior called upon one of the -officers and asked if there was danger. “No,” said he, “We shall let you -know in due time.” - -Three Sisters, intending to go to Antwerp, sent a messenger to the -station to ask when the train would leave. “No trains until evening,” -was the reply. They decided to wait until that time. Just then another -officer called for the Reverend Superior and said in an excited manner, -“Weg van hier, aanstonds! Geen tijd te verliezen.” (Away from here at -once. No time to be lost.) This message flew from one to another, even -to the terror-stricken hearts of the numerous wounded. - -Impossible to describe the scenes which followed. In a few minutes a -long line of motor cars came whirling up to the gate to take away the -wounded who, some of them in an almost dying condition, were being -dragged out of their beds, dressed and hurriedly carried away to -Antwerp, or to another place of refuge. One can never forget the look of -anguish on some of their faces, while others seemed totally indifferent -to all that was taking place around them. - -There was one who was not indifferent. It was the wounded German officer -who, as he himself admitted, had accomplished so much in the destruction -of Louvain, and whose serious condition did not permit his being -transferred with the first division of the Red Cross which left a short -time before. He was sorely troubled when he heard he had to leave, and -would much rather have remained. He promised, in case the opportunity -offered, to speak a good word for the Convent. - -Did he survive or obtain his freedom, and thus have occasion to keep his -word? We know not; but we do know that when the German soldiers were in -possession of our Boarding-school, after the fall of Antwerp, our -Superior and Sisters wrote that they had no complaint to make as to the -conduct of those “Rynlanders.” - -The Sisters could hardly realize that they were obliged to leave their -Convent home, for which they had toiled and labored for years, and which -was as dear to them as the arms of a mother to her children; those -schools which had so often re-echoed to the gay sounds of children’s -voices, as hundreds of them marched and sang in chorus; the garden where -the white ducks were yet swimming in the pond; the fruit trees and -flowers; in a word, all had to be left to the fire of the merciless -bombs and shrapnels. - -Several times they went back and forth, while it seemed preferable to -remain and take the risk than to go and endure the vicissitudes of -pilgrimage and exile. But the command had to be obeyed, as the danger -increased every moment. - -About two o’clock three of us joined the crowds of farmers, country -people and cavalrymen who were passing on their way to Boom. The other -Sisters stood in the hall, ready to depart. We carried satchels and some -small baggage, and walked to Boom, where we arrived safely at three -o’clock. On the way we met a lady and gentleman who conversed fluently -in English. - -When we arrived at the station we learned that the train for Antwerp had -left a few minutes before, and there would be no further transportation -before evening. We went to the home of one of our Sisters in Boom and -rested until five o’clock. Here we were joined by our Rev. Mother -Superior and a large party of Sisters, who had left Willebroeck shortly -after we did. Just as they had crossed the bridge of Boom, a bomb fell -beside it and exploded, but did not injure the bridge. Our Sisters were -on their way to Aertselaar, one of our missions at some distance from -the firing line. Rev. Father Somers, one of the assistant priests of -Willebroeck, remained at his post in the village church during the -bombardment of the town. Four Sisters had the courage to remain in the -Convent when all the rest had left. They have written recently from -Bristol, England, describing their experience amid the rain of bombs and -shrapnel which fell that evening in the garden and around the buildings. - -Bidding adieu to the Sisters who had joined us in Boom, we went to the -railroad station about five o’clock in the evening, expecting to be in -good time for the train to Antwerp. One of the Sisters sent a dispatch -to her mother to send some one to meet us in the East Station when the -train would arrive. As we approached the station in Boom, we met throngs -of people coming back. - -A lady told us not to go to the station, as no train would leave for -Antwerp that night. Undismayed by the sad news, we passed those crowds -of people and went right on to the station. The station-master was not -at liberty, so we stood there a few moments with a party of others in -the waiting-room. A young lady of Boom, one of our former pupils, and -one of the Sisters set out in search of a motor car or carriage. None -could be obtained at any cost, not even a farmer’s cart or wagon. All -that could be used were in the service of the army. - -From five o’clock until seven, the fruitless search continued, while the -other two Sisters remained at the station in charge of the baggage. At -seven o’clock one Sister returned with the good news that she had met -the “Chef” of the First Division of the Red Cross ambulance which had -remained in our hospital, and, having exhausted all the fine expressions -in her French vocabulary, at last succeeded in sending him to the -General of the Belgian Army, then in a restaurant in the city, to ask -permission for the Sisters to enter the train of the Red Cross, which -was at that time standing on the Antwerp Railroad, back of the depot. - -A lady and gentleman of Antwerp, on hearing of our success, pleaded with -tears in their eyes to have us ask permission for them also to enter the -train. Our youngest Sister, moved with compassion at the sorry plight of -two fellow-creatures, made use of a stratagem in their favor. “Papa, -Mamma,” said she, when the “Chef” approached with permission for the -Sisters to enter the train, “Papa, Mamma, carry our baggage into the -train.” The lady and gentleman took up the baggage in a hurry and the -Sisters followed them into the train. - -It was just seven o’clock when we entered the train of the Red Cross, -which then stood waiting for the wounded soldiers. Unfortunately for us, -the wounded had been taken to Antwerp in motor cars and our train -remained standing at the depot. - -The heavy cannonade had somewhat abated, but the field cannon were yet -heard in several directions, and we feared a return of the Zeppelins -which had been flying over Antwerp the week before. We were doomed to -disappointment as to our departure from Boom. It was too late and -decidedly dangerous to return to the home of our Sisters in the city, -and a long night in this stationary train seemed unendurable. At twenty -minutes to twelve the “Chef” made his appearance once more and said that -he had finally obtained permission to take the train to Antwerp; but we -would be obliged to ride in the dark, very slowly, and arrive in a -station at some distance from the usual stopping place. This depot was, -nevertheless, known to the Sisters, who, if only safely in the city, -felt sure of finding their way home. So the lights were turned out and -the train started off. It was so dark that we could hardly distinguish -the trees or buildings along the route. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - ARRIVAL IN ANTWERP. - - -Shortly after leaving Boom, the sounds of war died out entirely, and one -felt that there was at least one haven of safety in Belgium. About -half-past one in the night we entered the Bassins, a station near the -docks of Antwerp. We thanked the good “Chef” heartily and paid the -station-master to accompany the party of five with a lantern to our -destination. He did so, and on we walked the whole length of the -Boulevard to the Palace of Justice. - -Antwerp, the chief port of Belgium, the center of the railroad and canal -systems, lay enshrouded in a cloak of darkness. Not the faintest glimmer -of light was to be seen in the sky or on the land. Aside from this, -there was not the slightest appearance of war, or of any disturbance -whatever in the city. - -At half-past two on Wednesday morning, September 30, hungry and utterly -exhausted after the experience of the foregoing week, we rang at the -residence of Madame Broelinckx, mother of one of the Sisters of our -company. This lady and her daughters received us with the greatest -hospitality. They provided food and sleeping apartments, and left -nothing undone to make our visit as pleasant and agreeable as could be -under the circumstances. About three o’clock we retired for a few hours’ -rest, regardless of the dangerous Zeppelins which could have been flying -over our heads. Next day we visited some of the magnificent churches in -the city. These were filled to overflowing with pious worshipers at -every service. - -In the Church of the Jesuits, which we attended, it was difficult to -find a seat, so great were the throngs who attended the evening -devotions. The front seats were reserved for the convalescent soldiers, -who attended in large numbers. It was so sad to see them. Some limped -along on crutches; some with their broken arms in slings; while others -had their heads and hands bandaged. Every door that opened or closed -caused a shock, as if the bombs and cannon balls had followed us from -Willebroeck. - -We had never heard more zeal in the sermons, more confidence in the -prayers, or more fervor in the responses, in which the entire -congregation joined. We shall never, never forget that week of prayer in -Antwerp. - -In such circumstances, when the courage is about to fail at the approach -of an inevitable doom which no human power can resist, then will the -most haughty and indifferent fall on their knees and pray. - -A day or two after our arrival in Antwerp, in company with the Misses -Broelinckx, we visited the scenes of the Zeppelin raid which had taken -place a few weeks before. It was sad to witness the damage done to those -massive stone buildings. In some of them there was not a particle of -glass to be seen in any of the window frames, while immense blocks of -stone had been blown out of the walls. Bolts, knobs and bells were torn -out of their places and the door demolished. One building looked as if -it had been picked all over with a crowbar, while in some places pieces -of the bomb had forced their way through the walls. - -It was said in Antwerp that the bomb which fell back of the Boom street -was aimed at the Palace of Justice, which is just at the corner of this -street. It was also stated that the aim taken by the enemy in throwing -this bomb was only one millimeter from being perfect. If so, it -deflected the difference of a whole block before it reached the ground. - -Either nine or eleven bombs were said to have been thrown by Zeppelins -in Antwerp long before the bombardment of that city. Not one, however, -reached its destination, and only damaged the buildings and killed or -wounded a few innocent residents. - -On returning we met two Sisters and a large number of orphan children, -who left Willebroeck on the same day that we did. These Sisters, though -similar to our own in some respects, had constant charge of the sick in -the village hospital, which was founded and supported by the wealthy and -charitable Lady of the Castle of Willebroeck, Madame De Naeyer. Besides -a number of invalids, there were about one hundred orphan children in -this institution when the bombardment of the village began. - -One of the Sisters said, that while carrying the invalids from their -beds into the cellar, bombs were flying horizontally through the walls. -One old woman was killed and another wounded. These two Sisters then -departed with the orphans and knew not what had become of the others. - -At the urgent request of our kind hostess, and also in hope of receiving -news from Willebroeck, or from the Sisters with whom we had parted in -Boom, we decided to remain over Sunday. The beginning of the following -week passed uneventfully. One of our younger Sisters joined us during -the week, but had little to relate, not having heard from Willebroeck -since our departure. - -Greatly desiring to hear something from the Convent, I resolved to ride -over to Aertselaar with the milkmaid, as all the trains in this -direction had ceased to run, and no other conveyance could be found. I -went down to the park with Miss Broelinckx and waited until the good -woman had sold all her milk, after which I climbed into the little wagon -and we rode hastily in the direction of the city gates. When but a few -yards from the large green “port” or gate, while waiting a few moments -at a store, we were overtaken by Miss Broelinckx, who had hurried after -us to announce that she had met the Reverend Superior and a large number -of Sisters, who had entered the city en route for Holland or England. - -With unconcealed joy at the thought of meeting our Sisters again, I bade -adieu to the milkmaid and retraced my steps back to the house where our -friends were assembled. After lunch, complications having arisen as to -their departure for England, the Sisters, about fifteen in number, -decided to remain in the city for at least a few days. Some of them took -up their residence with relatives, while the others found refuge in some -of the convents in the city. It was arranged to hold a union meeting in -a room adjoining the Jesuit Church, at which all were requested to be -present, every day. - -One of our party was quite despondent, owing to the fact that she had -entirely lost track of her aged parents, who had left Mechelen during -the bombardment of that city. A day or two later, while going to church, -she had the pleasure of meeting her father on the street. He and his -wife had come to Antwerp a few days before. They had found it necessary -to change their place of residence nine times within one month. Mingled -joy and sadness was felt a day or two later, when the Rev. Mother -Superior visited the Sisters at the home of Madame Broelinckx and -described the condition of affairs at Willebroeck. - -With the Sisters whom we had left in Boom, she had gone to Aertselaar, -where eight or ten of the older Sisters were staying. This town, quite a -distance from the city, was considered perfectly safe. However, owing to -the rapid approach of the enemy and the destruction of some of the -fortresses, this place also became untenable. The City of Boom was -evacuated and the bridge blown up a day or two after we left -Willebroeck. Three days later all the refugees in Aertselaar were -commanded to leave. This compelled the Reverend Superior to take the -elder Sisters, some of them hardly able to walk on account of age and -debility, to the City of Antwerp. With great difficulty she had found a -rude conveyance of some kind and rode on to the “port” of the city. When -they reached the large gate it was discovered that the passports were -not in perfect order, consequently the Sisters were not allowed to -enter. - -Having found a resting-place for the others, Reverend Mother entered the -city. After a short conference, she rode back to the Sisters and we saw -her no more. While with us she told of her narrow escape at the Convent -in Willebroeck the day after the Sisters left. - -On September 30, having left her charges in safety in Aertselaar, she -rode back again to Willebroeck, where three Sisters yet remained. The -next day the cannonade was terrific. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF OUR REFUGEE - SISTERS. - - -Following is an extract from a letter which came to hand on March 15, -1915, from the four Sisters who remained in the Convent throughout the -bombardment, two of whom are now in charge of the Belgian refugees in -Bristol, England: - -“As you already know, perhaps, three of us remained in our Convent when -all the rest had fled. Later in the afternoon we saw the Reverend -Director and his sister step into the doctor’s automobile and whirl off -to a place of safety. Soon they were out of danger for the time being at -least. That evening, following the advice of the Reverend Chaplain, we -went to the Convent of the Presentation in Boom to pass the night. On -the way we met Sister Michelle. When she heard that we had remained in -Willebroeck, she came back with us. We were greatly pleased and took her -along to Boom for the night. In the morning we returned to our Convent -in Willebroeck in an automobile of the ambulance. There was work in -abundance. We had to cook and bake for one hundred and twenty persons. -There were twenty priests with them. Besides these, there was scarcely -any one left in Willebroeck. We rode to Antwerp for meat. Reverend -Mother sent us word to come to Aertselaar to go with the other Sisters -to England. We went to Aertselaar and asked permission to remain in -Willebroeck. Reverend Mother rode back with us. Again, in the afternoon, -there was nothing to be heard but cannonade on all sides. Just as the -Reverend Superior was about to go to the chapel, she was called into the -cellar, where the Sisters and some of the wounded had taken refuge. At -once a heavy shock was heard. Every moment there were heavy shocks. Our -chapel had been struck by a bomb, which destroyed the iron frame of the -window, seriously damaged the wall and mouldings, shattered the pews and -chairs, and filled all the adjoining rooms with lime and dust. We -thought that our whole Convent stood in fire and flame. All the window -panes in the chapel were out. All the window panes in the front gable of -the Convent were out. Reverend Mother, who had just escaped death by -joining the others in the cellar, returned to her charge in Aertselaar. -We four remained in the Convent. The doctors assured us that if need be -an automobile would be at our disposal in the evening. - -Monday, October 5, the Chaplain, sent by the Major, came to tell us that -we must leave. “Go,” said he, “not to Antwerp, but through Flanders to -England.” We thought that our other Sisters had already gone to England. -We remained Tuesday also, amid the thundering roar of the cannon. At six -o’clock in the evening it was announced that the motor car was ready. -“Rapidly,” said they. “Everyone away.” There we were! One in the kitchen -and the others here and there at work. In haste we collected a few of -our things, and, without food or other supplies, started on the way to -Boom. The Belgian soldiers caused the bridge to spring just when we had -crossed it. The two ladies of the Red Cross who had so faithfully -assisted in the care of the wounded, were with us. We went from Boom to -Hemischen, over a rudely constructed bridge. From this place we jolted -and pitched all night long. One of our number, utterly exhausted, slept -soundly, and for the time being at least was unconscious of danger or -difficulty. At ten o’clock on Wednesday morning we arrived at St. -Niklaas. - -We were well received by the Sisters at the Convent of the Presentation, -and remained until next day. Then we went to Ostend. From ten in the -morning until five in the evening we remained on the train and spent the -night in a convent. We looked for the ambulance, and found it in the -“Hotel Splendite,” wherein we were given rooms overlooking the sea. -There were about three hundred wounded soldiers brought from Antwerp, -for that city was just bombarded. We remained there until the 13th of -October. We had just retired on the evening of the 13th, when we were -hastily called up. “Toe Zusters’ gauw op! Ze zijn hier, alle maal bijna -weg.” (Sisters, do hurry up! Nearly all are away from here.) We sprang -up, dressed hastily, took our satchels and went directly to the depot. -We stood in the waiting-room from eleven o’clock that night until five -next morning. Two trains of wounded soldiers were passing. We succeeded -in getting into one of them, and now “Ahead,” wherever Divine Providence -may lead us. That was a tiresome ride. Every few minutes the train would -stop. Where were we going? Probably to France. In a town called Zarren -we remained standing a long time. The residents brought food and drink -for the soldiers and conducted the Sisters to a convent. We could not -find sufficient words to praise and thank these good people; and now -again, “Ahead to France.” - -We arrived in France at eleven o’clock in the night. The people were -leaning out of their windows in their night-clothes and calling aloud -“Vive la Belgique! Vive les Heros!” Again, “Ahead to Dixmunde.” Here we -were placed on a merchant ship, with one thousand wounded soldiers and -ambulanciers from Antwerp. We knew not where we were going. There was no -food. We slept in a small cabin containing four berths, two above and -two below. Those best exercised in gymnastics could climb into the upper -beds. A few moments later the two younger Sisters had flown into their -“Doves’ Nest.” The ship departed, and finally we arrived in Dover, -England. We left Dover and went to Southampton, where we arrived safely -on Friday morning. Here the wounded soldiers were taken to hospitals in -the city, and we were conveyed to a convent. After a few days we were -requested to go to Bristol to teach the Belgian children, and here we -are at present among these good English people, where we may possibly -remain until the refugees return to Belgium.” - -A letter from our Sisters in Holland last winter states that those -members of the Community who had taken up their abode in the -mission-house of Aertselaar were obliged to leave and take flight a few -days later than we. Some of them endured great hardships along the -route. - -The Sisters whom we left in the city wrote about the same time the -following: - -“Our stay in Antwerp was short. We were told that it was dangerous to -remain near the Palace of Justice. At six o’clock two of us started to -the Touwstraat (Rope street), so as to be near our other Sisters. As the -street cars had ceased to run, we had to walk about three miles. The -Sisters who were in the Convent of the Sacred Heart, in Antwerp, could -no longer remain, as those nuns also were preparing to leave. It was -impossible to close our eyes during that terrible night on account of -the thundering, deafening explosions of cannon, while bullets, shells -and shrapnel were flying over the city. - -“Early in the morning we were ready to leave Antwerp, but our older -Sisters could not walk, and we had also in our company a sick Sister -from Londerziel. Finally, about eleven o’clock, we left for the station. -We could hardly get through because of the crowd and the great number of -wagons. Two of us walked on and arrived in Capellen at three o’clock. At -the station we had to get into a wagon which had been used for the -transportation of cattle, and then away again. At half-past four we were -in Calmpthout. We waited in the station from half-past nine until four -o’clock. Finally we obtained a place in a coal car and set out for -Holland. - -“In Esschen, near the boundary line, we stepped off and walked forth to -Hoogerheide, in Holland, where thirty of us will remain in a convent. I -had forgotten to say that four of our Sisters took flight from Antwerp -at one o’clock in the night. - -“Here in Holland we are eating rye bread and mashed potatoes, passing -the night on straw beds stretched upon the floors, and are quite at our -ease, for the present at least.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - THE EXODUS TO ENGLAND. - - -All the Sisters who had arrived at Antwerp met in conference several -times during the week; but no final course of action could be decided -upon, owing to the danger and uncertainty which, like dark, ominous -clouds, cast a pall over the city and presaged disaster. - -One afternoon two of us called on His Eminence, Cardinal Mercier, -Archbishop of Mechelen, who, since the bombardment of his city and the -destruction of his residence, had remained at times in rooms near the -Cathedral of Antwerp. His stately countenance was calm and peaceful, -notwithstanding the trials and overwhelming sorrows he had endured. We -could hardly control our feelings when the fatherly hand of this good -and faithful shepherd was raised to bless us for the journey and -undertakings we had in view. - -On Saturday, October 10, we met in conference for the last time in the -Jesuit rooms in Antwerp. Our Sisters had no idea of leaving the city at -that time. The last advice of our Reverend Director before leaving was -“Observe well the regulations, be ever true to God and duty, and let no -day pass without doing some good work.” He is dead now, having -peacefully passed away on the night of December 24, 1914, shortly after -returning to his former residence in Willebroeck. Although an invalid -for years, he was an example of perfect zeal and accuracy in the -performance of every duty. He was noted as an author of hymns and poems, -and left many important works on Church and Bible history. - -Requiescat in pace (rest in peace). - -Having parted with our Sisters on the street in front of the church, in -company with Miss Broelinckx, I went at once to the docks of Antwerp to -make arrangements for crossing over to England. About noon on that day a -flag was hoisted on the lofty spire of one of the great churches, -denoting “Antwerp in danger.” In a short time the whole city was -panic-stricken. People carrying large and small bundles were seen -hurrying through the streets. At noon the signal was removed and -confidence restored. At the docks we found that the last passenger boat -was just ready to leave on her final trip and could accommodate no more, -being then full to overflowing. - -Three different times we returned to the docks, but found no means of -departure. Even the small merchant boats were overloaded. Finally, on -Monday, October 12, I found a place on a small boat, which seemed fit -for sailing on an ordinary creek. There were about sixty or seventy -refugees on board. I then bade farewell to the beautiful plains of -Belgium, to the Sisters and acquaintances in whose company we had passed -so many happy and peaceful years; farewell to the Convent home, where we -had learned the one true way to that perfect peace, which neither the -storms of time nor the adverse fortunes of war can destroy; farewell to -those dear little pupils who daily attended school, the remembrance of -whose cheerful, innocent faces inspirit the days of exile, as does the -cool, fresh fountain, the weary, way-worn traveler. - -Could this parting be final? No! a thousand times no! We shall meet -again when these trials are over. The Belgians are a courageous people. -Their country will rise from its grave of ashes; her exiled children -will return; her cities will stand up from their ruins and flourish as -they have never done before, and when Kings and Kaisers have become a -memory, Sisters will be found at the bedside of the dying, and in the -schools to teach the little children, and offer refuge to virtue and -innocence within the Convent walls. - -We took our places on the deck of this little boat at one o’clock. The -deck was not covered in any manner, and there were seats for about half -of the number of passengers; but we crowded together as best we could, -with a certain feeling of security, for we all knew that within a few -hours we would be safely out of reach of those terrible bombs and -shrapnel, and we had a firm belief that our friends in Antwerp would -also succeed in finding a place of safety. - -We had just left the docks bound for Flushing, Holland, when the rain -began to fall in torrents and a heavy wind came up. We huddled together -under the few umbrellas and tried to have patience with our steamboat -and the weather. One young lady, in the act of looking around, had the -unspeakable chagrin of seeing her umbrella snatched out of her hand by -the wind and carried away down the tide. A large ship at some distance, -seeing the strange-looking object on the wave, rapidly approached, -lowered a boat, and immediately the umbrella was taken on board. - -About three o’clock we were out at sea. There was no land to be seen. -The wind grew stronger every moment, and our little boat rose and fell, -pitched and rolled, in a most alarming manner. Being on the open deck, -in the piercing cold wind, kept most of us from an attack of -seasickness. Some of the Belgian women, who had never been at sea -before, were nearly frantic with terror, and no wonder, for it was -certainly a heavy sea for such a small boat. How delighted we were when -the lights of Flushing, like so many stars reflected in the sea, began -to gleam in the distance. When we entered the harbor the wind ceased and -the waves settled down into a calm, dark, lakey surface. - -Unfortunately, we had no opportunity of seeing much of this noted summer -resort, as it was quite dark when we left our little boat and stepped -into a large, pretty looking Mall boat, which carried passengers to and -from England. - -After supper in the neatly furnished dining-room, we retired to our -cabin. We considered ourselves at a safe distance from the firing line, -and anticipated a good night’s rest. In this we were sadly disappointed. -Scarcely had we closed our cabin door, when the ship’s crew began to -load the boat with her cargo, and the unendurable noise continued all -night long. One old lady, who had suffered greatly in coming over from -Antwerp, began to scold at everybody and everything, then laughed -heartily, turned over in her berth and tried to rest. - -Morning dawned, at last. The rain had ceased and the sun was shining -brightly. We expected a pleasant voyage over to Folkstone, England. -Again we were disappointed. Fearing the mines which might have been -encountered on the usual course, our boat had to take another route. -Instead of a pleasant trip of three or four hours, we had a voyage of -nine hours. On this occasion there was no chance to escape the -seasickness. The sea was rougher here than in some places on the -Atlantic ocean. Heavy waves dashed against our little boat and caused -her to roll and pitch terribly, while a cold, penetrating wind swept the -deck like a hurricane. - -Some of us became so greatly indisposed that we were advised to go on -deck. We did so and stood grasping the railing for an hour or two. -Everyone was ill. While on deck we sighted something projecting from the -sea, but could not clearly distinguish the outline. It proved to be a -submarine; at any rate, we were told that it was; but our boat managed -to keep at a safe distance and hastened forth unmolested. - -A short time afterward we were signalled by a warship. All action in our -boat ceased. The warship drew near and was soon alongside of the -Mallboat. An officer came on board to ask if there were soldiers among -the passengers. Having received a negative answer, greetings were -exchanged and the warship departed, greatly to the satisfaction of all -on board. Having lost about half an hour, our steamer forged ahead again -at full speed. - -About three o’clock, benumbed with cold and indisposed, we staggered to -the gangway and were assisted downstairs, where we tried to rest for a -time. About five o’clock in the evening the hills and rugged banks of -England made their appearance. At six o’clock we entered the harbor of -Folkstone. Everyone was obliged to show his or her passport and undergo -the doctor’s examination. This occupied just an hour. Happy to again set -foot on “terra firma,” we hastened to the train, which stood waiting to -take us to London, a ride of two or three hours. In the meantime -darkness had closed in and we saw nothing outside of our compartment -until after nine o’clock, as we approached the suburbs of London. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - LONDON AND LEEDS. - - -One of the first things to attract attention, as we approached the city, -was the double-decked street car. It was so strange to see the people -sitting in those box-like cases, up on top of the car. From appearances, -one would think this kind of conveyance in danger of tipping over at -every turn of the street. - -A little before ten o’clock we steamed into Victoria Station, London, -and immediately made our way to the office of the Relief Committee, who -kindly exchanged our Belgian money for English currency and gave us -cards to the Premier Hotel, Southampton Row, Russell Square, London. - -The Belgians who came to England on this occasion were people of the -wealthier class, who paid their own expenses and were free to take rooms -or lodgings where they desired; while a great many others who came over -at the expense of the Relief Committee were obliged to accept what was -assigned them and remain where they were sent until transferred by the -Relief Committee. - -When all of us met at table in the Premier Hotel, it was quite difficult -for the Belgians to make themselves understood. Fortunately, one of the -party, being familiar with the two languages, acted as interpreter until -each obtained what he or she desired, and the regulations and -requirements had been explained. - -At half-past eleven all retired to their rooms for the night with -feelings of heartfelt gratitude to the good God, who led our steps -through so many trials and dangers to a place of peace and safety. - -In the morning the whole party attended Mass at eight o’clock in a large -church on Southampton Row, and returned to the hotel for breakfast at -half-past nine. In the dining hall we met another party of Belgians, -among whom were Sister M. Aloise and her family, Mr. and Miss Erix, of -Willebroeck, and the Burgomaster of Mechelen (Malines) and his wife. The -Sisters, not having seen each other in several weeks, had a long and -pleasant visit. After dinner we called on the American Relief Committee -and obtained the loan of money necessary for the trip to America. The -American Government had made arrangements with its committee to assist -in this way American citizens stranded in the belligerent countries. It -was given in exchange for a note for the required sum, payable on demand -to the United States Treasury after the first of January, 1915. Interest -on this note was not exacted. - -This action on the part of the American Government, in assisting her -stranded citizens who found themselves unable to secure funds at a time -when it was impossible to communicate with or receive assistance from -friends, was highly praised by prominent Europeans, and deeply -appreciated by the Americans themselves. - -The important places which we had an opportunity of seeing during this -short stay in London were the Tower of London, so noted in English -history, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and also the -beautiful new Westminster Cathedral, which seems to resemble Westminster -Abbey in its mode of construction. - -While at the station I sent a dispatch to relatives in Leeds to meet me -there at the depot next day, after which we returned to the Premier -Hotel for another night. This night, October 15, seemed very long, as I -was anxious to proceed on my journey as rapidly as possible. Next -morning found the city enwrapped in a heavy “London fog.” The streets -were very dusty, the air chilly, and the mist so dense that it was -impossible to read the names on the buildings across the way. - -The streets and thoroughfares of London were so crowded at times that it -seemed impossible to pass through. Teams, carriages, street cars, motor -cars and pedestrians thronged hither and thither, each with some -particular aim or object in view. - -Not a single thought of death seemed to occupy their minds, although -death could have befallen hundreds of them at every turn of the street. -All were in a hurry, for, as a rule, people do not walk in England, they -run, which, by the way, impressed me as unusual, considering the fact -that the country appears to be very hilly and many of the streets run up -or down high hills. - -Policemen stand in the middle of the streets at the crossings and keep -back the crowds on one side until they have passed on the other. - -On all sides placards were posted on the gates and walls calling for -recruits to the army. Whole companies of these were seen in citizens’ -dress marching away to the barracks. - -During a very short but pleasant stay in England our attention was often -attracted by the zeal of the English woman, working for their absent -countrymen. Every spare moment was employed for this purpose. On the -train, in the street car, or walking along the streets, her deft fingers -were ever busy knitting for some poor soldier at the front. - -The prayers of thousands of those poor victims freezing in the trenches -during the past two winters will call down blessings upon these busy -workers, not only in England, but in our own dear country also; and all -over the world where this charitable work is undertaken. - -On Thursday evening, October 15, I took leave of our numerous Belgian -companions and departed alone on the long and tedious journey to Leeds, -where I arrived at the appointed hour and was met at the station by -relatives, with whom I started at once for their residence. - -We enjoyed two or three days of pleasant weather in this busy -manufacturing city, and visited some of the churches and places of -special interest. The busiest place in the city was, probably, the -American penny store. Here it was that the Star-spangled Banner -gladdened the heart of any American who happened to pass that way and -stop for a penny’s purchase. Except on Sunday, this immense building was -said to be crowded every day in the week, and on Saturdays it was hardly -possible to pass through because of the throngs of people who filled it -from morning till evening. - -One remarkable feature about the city of Leeds is the deep dark color of -the exterior of nearly all the buildings. The Cathedral, the City Hall, -the Museum, and even the statue of Queen Victoria, on the square in -front of the City Hall, are of such a dark color that one would suppose -them to be built of black stone. This is probably caused by the fogs, -and smoke from the numerous factories. The fog becomes so dense in the -fall and winter that the street cars are said to collide, and other -accidents occur at times owing to the impossibility of distinguishing -objects even at a short distance. When but a few days in Leeds, my -attention was attracted by an article in the morning paper announcing -the expected arrival of five hundred Belgian refugees in the city. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - THE REFUGEES IN ENGLAND. - - -As a good and loving mother would receive her own weary, way-worn -children, so did England and Holland open their arms to receive, -console, assist and provide for the destitute, war-chased people of -Belgium. These unfortunate refugees, the homeless and penniless exiles -from a once free and happy country, have been welcomed to the shores of -England with a true Christian charity and hospitality, which excites our -admiration. - -The gates of her manors, the doors of her castles, the dwellings of her -citizens, have opened wide to harbor the throngs of refugees who entered -her seaports in search of food and shelter. Great numbers went to London -and were received in the Alexandria Palace, where on one occasion about -three thousand were said to have attended the Divine sacrifice of the -Mass and were addressed in their own language by the Rt. Rev. Bishop -Dewachter, Vic. Gen. to His Eminence Card. Mercier, of the Archdiocese -of Mechelen. In this palace they were received and cared for -temporarily. Later they were distributed in groups to the different -towns and cities of the country in accordance with the means of -accommodation afforded by the respective places. - -Belgian Relief Committees were established in all the localities about -to receive refugees. These were made up of a number of ladies and -gentlemen, both Catholic and Protestant, of the wealthier class of -English society. The Lord Mayor of the city, and mayors of the towns and -villages, took the work of these committees under their special -supervision. They were present at the arrival of the refugees and -delivered addresses of welcome. The Lady _Mayoress_, by her presence and -example, often assisted and encouraged the ladies in the clothing -department, and when time permitted drove around to visit the Belgians -in their new homes. All the ladies and gentlemen of the relief -committees were regarded as honorary members and received no -compensation for their services. - -It is impossible to describe the amount of care, labor and anxiety, not -to speak of the time and expense, which these good people encountered in -this new field of labor. “I have not had two hours’ rest any night since -the work began,” said Alderman C——, a member of the Bradford Committee, -a few days before our departure. The same remark could well have been -made by all the members, who devoted their whole time and energies to -the work in hand. - -The relief committees were obliged to make arrangements for the -reception and temporary lodgings of the refugees; also for their wearing -apparel and food supplies, because many of them had left their homes -with the same clothing which they wore at their ordinary work, and had -no other garments with them. Arrangements had to be made with the -vicars, or ministers of the Protestant parishes, and with the lords of -the manors and castles, as to the permanent dwellings and food supplies -of these people during their stay in England; and, to avoid confusion, -all had to be in readiness upon the arrival of the refugees, who were -sent in large numbers from Alexandria Palace, London. In less than three -weeks over fifteen hundred had been received in Leeds, Bradford and -Keighley. - -When a party of refugees was expected, the whole city, it may be said, -turned out to welcome them. The streets from the station to the City -Hall, where they usually lodged for a few days, were thronged with -curious spectators, long before the appointed hour. They not only filled -the streets, but climbed upon every available vantage point in order to -see the Belgians. Some little boys had found a place on the pedestal of -the statue of Queen Victoria and sat there quite contentedly. Lines of -motor cars stood waiting at the station, while the police had great -difficulty in keeping back the crowds, who threatened to crush each -other in their eager desire to get near the platform. - -The first party, over five hundred in number, which was received in -Leeds, was expected one evening at five o’clock. Being detained in -London, they did not arrive until about twelve o’clock, and yet that -immense multitude remained waiting on the street. The danger and -inconvenience which await strangers, unaccustomed to the habits and -language of a foreign country was anticipated, precautions being taken -by the Lord Mayor and Relief Committee for the purpose of protecting -these people, who were regarded as the guests of the nation. Two armed -policemen kept unbroken watch at the entrance to the reception hall, and -no one was permitted to enter who was not in some manner connected with -the work of the Relief Committee. They were required to have cards of -admission themselves. Though not obliged to do so, all those connected -with this work wore the Belgian colors. - -Two Little Sisters of the Poor of England and a Sister from Belgium, who -acted as interpreter, were requested to remain on guard in the women’s -department during the night, while a policeman performed the same duty -in the men’s part of the building. - -When the refugees reached the station, they were received by members of -the Relief Committee, and while the cheers and greetings of the -assembled multitudes resounded on all sides, they were taken in motor -cars to the City Hall or other public building, where a bounteous supper -awaited them. Food was abundant. There was soup and meat; bread, butter, -fruit and preserves, with plenty of coffee, and boiled milk for the -little children. How the refugees did enjoy this good meal, the first -which many of them had tasted since they left their own homes in -Belgium. - -An address of welcome was then delivered by the Lord Mayor of the city, -which was translated into the Flemish language, and responded to by one -of the several Belgian priests who were resident pastors in England, and -who met the refugees at the station, or came to the City Hall for this -purpose. - -After supper, all retired as quickly and quietly as possible. A -sufficient number of mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows and shawls -had been provided by the wealthy residents. The mattresses were -stretched out upon the floors of several large rooms, about a foot -apart, and there the beds made up. A separate room was arranged for -mothers with small children. Some of these little ones were so ill and -tired that they cried all night long. - -One child was only seventeen days old. He was born in Alexandria Palace, -and, being the first Belgian born on English soil, received the name of -Albert George Alexander, and the gift of a beautiful silver watch from -an English princess, with his royal name engraved upon it. One poor -woman told of having kept her child, three months old, from starving by -giving it sugar with water from the ditches along the route. Truly no -distinction was here to be observed between rich or poor, high or low -class of people. All were grateful to receive the lowly place of rest -offered on the floors of the museum, with the costly paintings on the -walls around them. A poor old woman was suffering from asthma and was -taken to the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, where in a few days -she was found to be in a dying condition. - -Next morning we took some food to a gentleman about eighty-five years -old, who, with his wife and adopted daughter, had fled from St. -Rombout’s Cathedral during the bombardment of the City of Mechelen. He -had been the proprietor of a large iron foundry in that city, and in his -business had amassed a considerable fortune. As his health began to -decline, he sold the foundry and bought fifteen houses to rent. Because -of the unexpected attack on the city he was obliged, with many others, -to take flight, not having had time to return home for money, clothing -or even a handkerchief. He was very ill with bronchitis, and was also -taken to the Little Sisters of the Poor. - -Next morning many of the refugees attended Mass in the nearest Catholic -Church, after which they returned for breakfast at eight o’clock. The -tables were well supplied with bread, butter, coffee, fruit, preserves -and crackers, or small cookies. After breakfast discourses were -delivered to the assembled Belgians, explaining the customs and habits -of the country in which they were about to reside, and instructions and -information given. At the close of this address the work of -registration, which, in some cases was begun the evening before, was -continued. The names and residences, the number of members in each -family, the daily occupation of each and other particulars were -carefully recorded, special care being taken to keep all the members of -families and relatives in groups together. - -One thing which occasioned great anxiety to nearly all the refugees was -the fact that some member, and in a number of cases several members, of -their families was missing. In these cases the relief committees -advertised in the newspapers, making public the names and former -residences of the missing parties, and thus sought in every manner to -obtain information regarding them. In many cases they were successful, -greatly to the joy of the refugees. - -A woman from the vicinity of Antwerp aroused the special sympathy of all -who met her. She, with her husband and several children, in company with -other refugees, left Antwerp on a train bound for Holland. Several -Belgian soldiers were also on the train. During the journey they were -fired upon by the enemy. The engineer sprang from the locomotive and ran -away. Many of the refugees rushed out of the compartments and, -panic-stricken, sought refuge wherever a place of safety could be found. -Almost at the same moment one of the soldiers then on the train, who was -himself an engineer, sprang into the locomotive, and the train started -again on its way to Holland. This all occurred in a few moments. In the -confusion which took place when the train was fired upon, this woman’s -daughter, aged thirteen, unobserved by her parents, had jumped off the -train with the others and was left in Antwerp, while the parents and -other children were hurried off to Holland, and from Holland to England, -having no opportunity to obtain information regarding their lost child. - -While the refugees remain at those ancient homesteads, the proprietors -have taken upon themselves the responsibility of providing everything -needed in the line of food and clothing, the Belgians being required -only to prepare their own food and to do their own work. This situation -was somewhat trying for the wealthier class, who were in no way -accustomed to ordinary labor. In each locality some one was appointed to -take the refugees to the nearest Catholic church until they became -familiar with the streets and knew the way themselves. - -Through the zeal and generosity of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of -Bradford, and prominent members of the Relief Committee in Leeds and -Keighley, who not only gave us the use of their motor cars several -times, but also, when not engaged, accompanied those who visited the -refugees, we had the satisfaction of calling upon many of the Belgians -in their new homes. This courtesy afforded us also a good opportunity of -seeing and admiring those stately old castles and the lovely groves and -grounds which surround them. - -We saw the remains of the old Kirkstall Abbey, there in the valley among -the hills of Yorkshire. - -On a brass tablet in the chapter house is found the following -inscription: - - THE CITY OF LEEDS. - - “_Pro Rege et Lege._” - - KIRKSTALL ABBEY. - - This Abbey was founded by Henri de Laci, Baron of - Pontefract, in the year 1147. It was first - established at Barnoldswick, - - in Craven, by the Cistercian Order of Monks. In the year 1152 - the monks removed from Barnoldswick to Kirkstall, and on the - present site erected a temporary church. The present church and - claustral buildings were completed during the life of the first - abbot, who died in the year 1182. - - ------- - - This Abbey was surrendered to the Crown at the Dissolution of - Monasteries, on November 22nd, 1539. The Abbey and part of the - adjoining lands were acquired from the representatives of the - late - - EARL OF CARDIGAN, - Colonel J. T. North, - - a native of Leeds, and presented by him to the Corporation of - Leeds in the year 1889, during the mayoralty of Alderman John - Ward, J. P., to be held in trust for his fellow-citizens as a - place of public resort and recreation forever. - - The Works of Preservation were completed by the Corporation in - the year 1895, during the mayoralty of Alderman Peter Gilston, - J. P. - -As a skeleton protruding from a grave of the past, so appears the empty -frame of this ancient structure. The church-like form of the chapel, -where the monks of old chanted the divine Office and said their daily -prayers; the old, crumbling belfry, where the doves coo and wild birds -make their nests; the altar, the refectory and other apartments within, -are yet clearly distinguishable. But the storm winds, howling through -the frameless doors and windows, awake the echoes of those voices long -hushed beneath the ruined walls, and recall another period of war, when -the destroying flames desecrated this hallowed shrine as do now the -bombs and shrapnels the institutions of Continental Europe. - -This is one of the most noted of those ancient ruins, and arouses the -interest and admiration of all tourists who visit this part of England. - -On another afternoon we were shown through an old but well-preserved -castle of the seventeenth century, whose low ceilings, stretching out -over the spacious halls and parlors, heavy black mouldings and -ornamentation form a striking contrast to the design, structure and -decoration of the present age. The lady proprietress of this handsome -manor was to be seen with the white cap and apron of a nurse, walking to -and from her castle, in the service of the refugees. - -The pretty rural names given these old homesteads, such as Oakwood, -Laurel Grove, Ambleside Avenue, Arnos Vale and many others, lend them -another charm and give a romantic touch to their beauty. - -While the scenes witnessed among the refugees were, for the most part, -sad and depressing, nevertheless a little incident occurred which -touched the mirthful chord in our poor human nature, and afforded us the -rare pleasure of a good hearty laugh. - -One afternoon during the last week of our visit in England a message was -received from members of the Relief Committee in Bradford, asking for an -interpreter to come to the assistance of some refugees at Oakwood, whose -affairs had become complicated. Two of us set out immediately and -arrived at the office of the Relief Committee to hold a conference on -the subject. It was decided to visit Oakwood at once and make a thorough -investigation of the case. A party of three or four ladies, led by the -Hon. Mr. D——, of the Relief Committee, arrived in a motor car at the -entrance to the lovely manor of Oakwood just as the heavy branches of -the ancient oaks had succeeded in closing out the last rays of the -setting sun. - -Mr. D—— advanced with a firm determination to make short work of the -matter and settle the difficulties with one good bang of his big cane. -He entered the portal, followed by the ladies, and stood a moment before -the beautiful plate-glass doors, through which the light of the hall -lamp was reflecting in all the colors of the rainbow on the oak carvings -of the outer doors. Not finding the bell, he tapped gently on the door -with the top of his cane. Again and again this act was repeated, but no -response came, although voices inside were distinctly audible. - -Becoming quite impatient, Mr. D—— lifted his cane and struck the door -one or two resounding blows, which were calculated to attract the -attention of the indifferent people within. A deathly silence ensued for -a few moments, and then a chorus of women’s voices began to cry out, -“Call the police! Call the police! ’Tis burglars! What do they mean by -coming here and breaking down our doors?” One old lady approached the -door and asked: “Who is there, and what do you want? We’re frightened -almost to death. Is that the way to do, to come and pound on the door in -that manner?” By this time Mr. D—— had succeeded in making himself -heard, as he answered in a tone of sincere sorrow, “I beg pardon, -ladies, I really beg pardon. I meant no harm. I meant no harm at all.” -By this time the door was partially opened and three panic-stricken old -ladies appeared within, while Mr. D——, with his hat in one hand and the -offending cane in the other, was bowing most meekly and making elaborate -excuses to the ladies, who, seeing the humble attitude of the supposed -burglar, ceased to call for the police and were disposed to answer any -reasonable question. - -“Will you be kind enough to lead us to the Belgian refugees?” asked Mr. -D——. “But,” said one of the ladies, “there are no Belgians here. You’ve -made a mistake. The refugees are living in the castle yonder on the next -manor.” - -Thanking these good ladies for the information, and again begging pardon -for intrusion, we left the portal with more humble feelings than when we -entered and proceeded to the next castle. - -The trouble here originated between two parties of Belgians who, on -account of language (the one spoke French, the other Flemish) and whose -political views were intensely antagonistic while yet in Belgium, were -unable to agree. Some slight changes were made by the Relief Committee -and all dissension ceased. - -Next morning a dense fog enveloped the entire landscape. The damp, -chilly atmosphere seemed to penetrate every nook and corner, and on the -streets, at a few yards distance, objects were scarcely visible. Some -necessary preparations were made for the long-anticipated voyage to -America, and then we patiently awaited the rapidly approaching steamer -St. Paul, on her way to Liverpool. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - HOMEWARD BOUND. - - -Saturday, October 31, at three o’clock in the afternoon, a mixed -assembly met on the pier in Liverpool and gazed, with not a little -apprehension, at the roily waters of the harbor and the ever-increasing -clouds of mist. - -The St. Paul, while not one of the largest or most pretentious of the -American steamers, is by no means the least. Nineteen years ago she -passed us in mid-ocean, although she had left New York three days later -than we. Her parlors, refectory, and even the berths, are exceedingly -neat and comfortable. The dining-room is particularly attractive. One -thing especially noticeable on this ship is the absence of all -disagreeable, smoky or gaseous odors, which on some steamers taint even -the best-prepared viands, and often cause a feeling of nausea the moment -one enters the gangway. - -May her patron, the good St. Paul, who on earth had taken so many -perilous journeys on land and sea, ever watch over his graceful white -sea-bird and lead her safely into the wished-for harbor. - -Promptly at five o’clock the gong, sounding through the gangway, gave -notice of departure. For an hour or two we stood on deck and gazed out -upon the rapidly retreating lights of Liverpool, casting their rays so -awkwardly through the heavy fog which decked both land and sea. - -When the last light fades out on the shore and despondency overwhelms -poor human nature, exposed to the unseen dangers of the deep, then -confidence is restored by the thought that we are ever in the presence -of Him whose watchful eye never closes, and without Whose knowledge not -even a sparrow falls to the ground. - - CONFIDENCE. - - God is on the sea, - As well as on the land, - Since all the mighty powers that be - Are resting in His hand. - - He who gently moves the deep, - And holds the firmament above, - Will His people safely keep, - Who are trusting in His love. - - He who rules the swelling wave, - When the storm is raging nigh, - Can our tortured spirits save - From His Throne of Grace on high. - - And should the angel, Death, - Spread his wings above the wave, - Then our last, our dying breath, - Must be: Save! Oh Jesus, save! - - Grant us Thy celestial joy - In the realms of love and light, - Where no toils, no cares annoy, - The just one, in Thy sight. - - Bring our spirits home to Thee, - Where the angels’ joyous band, - Far above the deep, dark sea, - ’Round Thy throne forever stand. - -Before concluding, it may not be out of place to refer particularly to -the noble feelings of fraternal charity which existed among the English -people, not only in regard to the Belgians, whom they so generously -received and housed, but also with respect to their conduct toward their -Catholic fellow-citizens engaged with them in this charitable work. We -heard no more of those petty enmities which so often had arisen in times -past as to race, creed or nationality. The Catholic priest and -Protestant minister worked side by side in this good work. Ladies of -every denomination united their efforts and offered their time and money -for the sole purpose of helping the needy. No compensation was expected, -no material gains to be obtained. Thus every work performed was a work -of perfect self-sacrifice, and deserved a greater reward than earth can -repay. A golden link in the chain of love will ever more unite the -hearts of England and Belgium. - -Further experience has shown that these golden links have multiplied -until the chain extends across the Atlantic, and holds in its friendly -tangles the heart of America also; who, of her rich abundance, has dealt -out to Belgium the clothing and life-giving foodstuffs which during the -past two years have saved the country from famine. - -When this period of anguish is over and historians are recording for -future generations the horrors of this awful conflict, may they also -give just praise to the All-wise Being who has caused the fragrant rose -of charity to bloom among the weeds of war. - -We were, or seemed to be, far out in the Irish Sea before we could tear -ourselves away from that wonderful sight. The sea was as yet quite calm, -and a number of hungry seagulls were flying around as if to bid us a -last farewell; so we remained on deck until it was found necessary to -enter and make arrangements for the night. - -We were sadly disappointed on that dismal Hallow E’en in not being able -to obtain a glimpse of our own dear little Emerald Isle, so near and -dear, and yet so far away. - -Next morning, Sunday, Feast of All Saints, found us out in the deep -waters of the channel, but the sea still remained calm. At half-past -seven o’clock we assisted at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, offered up -in one of the ship’s parlors. - -When the service was ended we returned to our rooms, where in a few -hours we were all undergoing severe attacks of seasickness. - -When again we walked the deck it was to inhale the invigorating salt sea -breeze and admire the wondrous waste of waters with the clear blue sky -above, and in the depths reflected a most beautiful picture, “Sunset on -the Sea.” - -A day or two later we encountered on board, a Belgian woman en route for -Illinois, where her daughter was living. She had only sufficient money -to pay her passage to New York City, and, being unable to speak the -English language, was in great distress. The necessary sum was donated -by a Catholic clergyman of Massachusetts, by a Belgian gentleman who was -on board, and a lady of the “Committee for the Protection of Travelers.” -All needful information was given, and when we arrived in New York City -she was safely placed on the midnight train for Illinois. - -Thus ended a short but fascinating mission among the Belgian refugees in -England. Thus ended the troubles, trials and sorrows of three months in -“The Great War.” - -May the gory cloud soon disappear from the eastern skies and never, -never darken the gold and azure of our own American horizon. - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - -The contents of pages 14 and 15 were printed in reverse order. This has -been corrected. - -Page 14, ‘honered’ changed to ‘honored,’ “like their time-honored -forefathers” - -Page 20, ‘discused’ changed to ‘discussed,’ “in which are represented -and discussed” - -Page 27, semicolon inserted after ‘peacemakers,’ “the peacemakers; -“Blessed are the” - -Page 33, double quote inserted before ‘Shrine,’ “or “Shrine of Our -Blessed Lady” - -Page 95, ‘soldeirs’ changed to ‘soldiers,’ “to depart, the soldiers had -returned” - -Page 105, ‘greatets’ changed to ‘greatest,’ “multitudes who, in the -greatest haste” - -Page 117, ‘adjoinig’ changed to ‘adjoining,’ “in the refectory or -adjoining rooms” - -Page 119, ‘almsot’ changed to ‘almost,’ “in an almost dying condition” - -Page 125, ‘obilged’ changed to ‘obliged,’ “would be obliged to ride” - -Page 129, ‘Bom’ changed to ‘Boom,’ “back of the Boom street” - -Page 136, ‘callar’ changed to ‘cellar,’ “others in the cellar, returned” - -Page 150, ‘Russel’ changed to ‘Russell,’ “Southampton Row, Russell -Square, London” - -Page 153, ‘Which’ changed to ‘which,’ “which seems to resemble” - -Page 158, full stop changed to comma after ‘Mercier,’ “Card. Mercier, of -the Archdiocese” - -Page 161, ‘woman’s’ changed to ‘women’s,’ “in the women’s department -during” - -Page 167, ‘remians’ changed to ‘remains,’ “We saw the remains of the” - -Page 172, double quote inserted after ‘doors?,’ “down our doors?” One -old lady” - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FROM CONVENT TO CONFLICT*** - - -******* This file should be named 56299-0.txt or 56299-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/6/2/9/56299 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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