IN OTHER PLACES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 80, 26 August 1914, Page 3

IN OTHER PLACES

BRUSSELS. Brussels, which architecturally is one of ithe most beautiful cities of Europe, has several been occupied by foreign armies. In the revolt of the Netherlands against Spain in the sixteenth century it surrendered to the Snaniar I--,; in 1695 it. was 'bombarded by the Frencn under Villeroi, who lired into the town with red-hot shot. For three days the bombardment continued, a great part of tlie city being ruined. In 1706 the city was taken from the French and occupied bv the allied armies of England. Holland, and Austria, under the Duk'e of 'Marlborough. Forty years later the city was again invaded by the French, and surrendered to them. In KS3O, when Belgium declared her independence, Brussels was attacked by a Dutch army of 6000 men, who obtained possession of the higher parts of tlie city after a serious straggle, but were unable to accomplish any decisive victory. The city has a population annroachini' 200,000. It occunies the Valley of the Senne and the sides and the'crest of the hill lying to the east and south-east of that valley. It in tlie. centre of many prosperous industries, its manufactures of fcico, carpets and curtains, furniture, and carriages being the more important. A canal connects Brussels with Antwerp, 25 miles to the north. The Grand Place of Brussels is iby its associations ■c j nc of tlie most interesting public squares in Europe. On its Hags were fought oat many feuds between rival' guilds. In more recent time Dumourie/, proclaimed ' j the French 'Republic, where the Dukes ; jof Brabant and Burgundy were wont to ' hold their jousts. Two of the linest, ' and most ornate 'buildings in Belgium. th-> Hotel <le Villi''and tile Mai-.on da j Ri'i, stand in the (Irand Place.