A Restoration

Cardinal Mercier, Primate of Belgium, less than two years after laying the cornerstone, blessed the completed first wing of the restored library of the Louvain University, destroyed by the Germans during the War.

The new edifice is built in pure Flemish Renaissance style (Rubens), the material being of white stone and red brick, with a roof of blue slate. The project to rebuild the entire library owes its inception to the efforts of Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler and the National Committee of the United States.

The dedication ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Leopold, who placed the first book on the shelves--a volume containing a list of Louvain students who perished in the War.

Dr. Butler presented a book containing the names of U. S. teachers and school children who contributed nearly $40,000 to the restoration fund. He said: "More than half the total amount ($1,000,000) needed for the completion of this library has already been received or is pledged. Gifts . . . keep pouring in and will continue to come until the end is reached . . . to give to his Majesty, the King, and His Eminence, our beloved Cardinal, the joy and happiness of celebrating the 500th anniversary (1925) of the foundation of the University of Louvain in a completed library, that will stand as an everlasting monument to American interest and American affection for Belgium and her people."