The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1914. THE FALL OF ANTWERP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 47, 12 October 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1914. THE FALL OF ANTWERP.

Bravo but unfortunate Belgium is still suffering sorely at the hands of her brutal neighbour, and the unnecessary and vindictive smashing of Antwerp by the Germans will but add to the flame of hatred against the cruel invader whose terrible acts of barbarity and wanton outrage have made the whole civilised world recoil with horror. Though the City of Antwerp was stated to be practically impregnable, it seems to have had no chance against modern artillery, and the accounts we are able to publish of the bombard-; meut show that it underwent a terrifying and horrible experience. It has now been well proved that fortresses specially built for the purpose of defence have no advantage over moving siege artillery and temporary works brought up to attack them, and with the greater number of heavy guns which the Germans have on all oc-

casions in the present war been able to bring against fortified places, they have ultimately been successful. Germany’s loss has been terrific, and one wonders how much longer the reckless hurling away of human lives, so far as her common soldiers are concerned, will be allowed to continue. From the accounts of the bombardment ol Antwerp it appears that the reinforcements mentioned in our cable mes. sages a day or two ago were British Navals, who brought with them a considerable number of guns, but the huge Krupps won the day so far as this particular engagement is concerned, and what has been known as the greatest fortress in Europe had to capitulate. It is highly probable that a longer defence might have been made, but such would merely have meant the utter destruction of all public buildings and, in fact, the whole of the city and the loss of an enormous number of innocent lives. Under all the circumstances there was no help but for the gallant Belgians to a'ccept the inevitable, and admit defeat. So far as the war wages in other directions the latest news from Paris is decidedly reassuring, and real advantages are claimed on behalf of the Allies. On the other frontiers, Russia’s great hosts moving relentlessly forward still seem to be carrying all before them.