On Thursday week a German force occupied Brussels, and about
fifty thousand troops made a spectacular march through the city with bands andsong. The Civil Government of Brussels bad at the last moment disbanded the Civic Guard, whom the Germans—in contravention of the agreement signed by the German representatives at the Hague—refused to recognize as belligerents. The Burgomaster, who met the German leaders, as we learn from a special correspondent of the Times, claimed for the citizens the customary rights of the inhabi- tants of an unfortified capital. He was told that he must surrender the city unconditionally or it would be bombarded. He was then entrusted under conditions with the control of the town, and was warned that he would be held responsible for any aggressive act against the Germans. He was also informed that the city must pay a levy of £8,000,000 within a fixed period. Such a. levy as this, not being either for actual support of the troops or for administrative purposes, is illegal according to the Hague Regulations of 1899 and 1907, which Germany signed. Germany should understand that if the Allies win they will oblige her to compensate Brussels for this outrageous treatment.
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