[Sidenote: Germany robs Belgians and inflicts privations.] "But Germany, by various proceedings, notably by the organization of its _Centrales_, over which neither the Belgians nor our protecting ministers can exercise any efficacious control, absorbs a considerable portion of the products of agriculture and of the industry of our country. The result is a considerable increase in the cost of living, which causes painful privations for those who have no savings. * * * [Sidenote: Deportation is slavery.] "Deportation is slavery, and the heaviest penalty of the penal code after that of death. Has Belgium, who never did you any wrong, deserved at your hands this treatment which cries to heaven for vengeance? "Mr. Governor General, in the beginning of my letter I recalled the noble words of Your Excellency: 'I have come into Belgium with the mission of dressing the wounds of your country.' "If Your Excellency could penetrate into the homes of workingmen, as we priests do, and hear the lamentations of wives and mothers whom your orders cast into mourning and into dismay, you would realize far better that the wound of the Belgian people is gaping. [Sidenote: Cold calculation of Germans.] "Two years ago, we hear people say, it was death, pillage, fires, but it was war! To-day it is no longer war, it is cold calculation, intentional destruction, the victory of force over right, the debasement of human personality, a cry of defiance to humanity. "It depends upon you, Excellency, to silence these cries of a revolted conscience; may the good God, whom we call upon with all the ardor of our soul for our oppressed people, inspire you with the pity of the good Samaritan! "Accept, Mr. Governor General, the homage of my highest consideration. "D.J. CARD. MERCIER, "_Arch. of Malines_." In less moving phrases, but in deadly corroboration, the continuation of the report of Minister Whitlock says: REPORT OF MINISTER WHITLOCK (continued). [Sidenote: Appalling stories of German behavior.]