In due time my large family arrived and were installed at the hotel.  Then we heard, officially, that the Germans were quite near the city, and that probably the train the nurses had come by would be the last to get through, and this proved to be the case. Affiches were pasted everywhere on the walls with the Burgomaster’s message to his people: 

     A sad hour!  The Germans are at our Gates!

     Proclamation of the burgomaster of Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     Long live Belgium free and independent!

     Long live Brussels!

     Adolphe Max.