MAX (Adolphe, 1869-1939, from 1909 Burgomaster of Brussels)

Typed Letter Signed , in French with translation, to Dr. P. Vandervelde of Brussels University, saying he applauds "your generous suggestion" but unfortunately "it cannot be implemented as the law stands ... We can only distribute the income of our investments among the Children's Charities ['Oeuvres'] of the Brussels urban area", quoting where "exceptional circumstances, and, especially, public calamities" are covered by their statutes, and the limited powers of the Assembly in such cases, with a newspaper clipping recalling his answer when the German general came in to his office, printed heading with the city's arms, 1 side 8vo., Brussels, 7th January traces of tabs on blank verso

Adolphe Max showed heroic coolness in 1914, going to meet the approaching German generals, defying particular orders, declaring others illegal, and calming the people of his city. He was arrested on 26th September over the question of the war levy to be paid by the city, and sent to Germany. On 13th November 1918 he escaped and came back to a hero's welcome, being appointed a minister of state and elected an M.P., while retaining his post of Burgomaster. He organized the great Brussels Exposition of 1935.

Item Date:  1926

Stock No:  52473      £150

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