But the most brilliant and daring feat achieved in Brussels is
unquestionably the publication of _Libre Belgique_, a mysterious weekly
journal which makes its appearance with unfailing regularity, though
how, where, and by whom produced the Germans have never been able to
discover. This is the very apotheosis of Boche-baiting, for _Libre
Belgique_ is a fiery sheet. It does not mince words, but flagellates
the Germans with the most scornful virulence, holding them up to
ridicule and contempt. Every week it pours the vials of bitter wrath
and hatred upon the Boche's devoted head, and the Boche can do nothing
but sit meekly under this scorching cataract. For though a reward,
which has already risen from a thousand pounds to three times that
figure, is offered for a denunciation of those responsible for this
"scurrilous rag," the secret of _Libre Belgique_ remains inviolate.
Exhaustive searches have been conducted, many arrests have been made
upon suspicion, but except for two minor actors in the great comedy,
whose function was merely the distribution of copies, no one has been
caught. Yet _Libre Belgique_ has already celebrated one anniversary
of its birth, and is well into its second year of existence. And
every week, without fail, General von Bissing, the German governor of
Brussels, receives a "complimentary" copy, which he doubtless peruses
with absorbed interest.
It is characteristic of Brussels wit that in conformity with law the
paper announces in each issue the address of its office and printing
works. These, it appears, are in "a cellar on wheels," and in view
of the peripatetic habits thus suggested, correspondents are desired
to address their communications to the _Kommandatur_, _i.e._, the
headquarters of the German authorities!
But _Libre Belgique_ has another function to discharge beyond that
of a courageous jest, well calculated to keep the Bruxellois in good
heart. Drastic in its satire upon the enemy, it is equally unsparing in
its record of German crimes and its dissection of the often grotesque
claims made by the German official communiqués. Von Bissing and his
staff may affect to make light of this gadfly among journals, but the
rewards offered for its betrayal and the energetic measures taken to
bring about its suppression tell another story. _Libre Belgique_,
indeed, aptly illustrates the parable at which Burgomaster Max so
subtly hinted when he laid his pen beside his interlocutor's pistol.
The pen is far mightier--in the long run--than the sword, and the
Germans, though they will not perhaps admit it even to themselves, have
an uncomfortable inkling of that fact.
That _Libre Belgique_, in spite of all proffered bribes, should never
yet have been betrayed is a wonderful testimony to the high patriotic
spirit of the Bruxellois. For though the operations of the paper's
staff are doubtless closely guarded, the number of persons who are in
the secret must inevitably be considerable, and leakage is difficult
to prevent. But the Belgian spirit is a thing with which we are
all familiar now, and when to that is added Brussels wit the whole
phenomenon is explained.
One fancies, indeed, that when the Belgian capital is at length
evacuated by the Germans the populace will be half sorry to see them
go. The Boche is not exactly a lovable fellow, but to people of a
satirical turn of mind, _naïveté_, which he possesses in unparalleled
degree, is always engaging. As a butt the Boche is unique, and in that
capacity, if in no other, he has positively endeared himself to the
witty citizens of Brussels.