Our basilica looters will know the rigor of the laws

The more one pursues indiscreet investigations into this affair of false statues which is in the scandalous - yet already quite blasé - chronicle of our time, the more one is indignant at the mercantile cynicism with which large-scale rogues contrived to gouge the too sensitive. lovers of old stones.

We launched the word of organization!

We remain, indeed, confused by noting that the operation of the multiple services, skilfully coordinated with each other, resulted in the same expert hands to direct it while knowing how to prudently hide behind those of obscure stooges or shady intermediaries. This audacious band of criminals who ransom with such incomparable mastery the immeasurable human credulity proceeded with discernment and method

Triple Organization

The operations of these industrious traffickers were divided into three distinct sectors:

1° Thefts, substitutions or fraudulent acquisitions of works of art adorning the old churches of France.

2° Manufacture, reconstitution or "embellishment" of statues or bas-reliefs.

3° Disposal of the various goods, sale to the Louvre or New York Museums and to wealthy collectors, particularly recommended.

Didn't a firm so admirably constituted deserve to succeed beyond the most fruitful forecasts? She had a crushing superiority over all her competitors—really quite retrograde. She could, indeed, boast of manufacturing "to the taste of the customer". A wealthy American — or a curator in a Parisian museum — found that Romanesque statues were truly too faded, and one was quickly made for him, made to measure, with ornaments and patina guaranteed to be of the time. When, by chance, our modern antique dealers found themselves in the presence of an informed connoisseur, they did not consider themselves beaten, believe it well, they then made the enlightened amateur choose the work he preferred from the catalog. of our national wealth quite simply. Eight days later, the item was delivered postage and packaging paid. Wasn't that — I ask you — fine work? Now — you are no doubt aware of this — the legislator punishes this fruitful but very special work with severe penalties.

Church Thieves

Church property—State property—cannot be sold or alienated in any way. Any contract to which they may be subject is — ipso facto — absolutely null. The Virgin of Saint-Sauveur was stolen or bought from a priest who was too credulous or perhaps. too unscrupulous. The confessions of the intermediaries are formal.

It remains to be established - and the Parquet de la Seine cannot fail to do so - who is this unknown merchant for whose account mysterious men dressed in large coats lingered in our chapels when evening came. It was certainly not to pray there. They happily stole this France they abhor, those to whom we grant such generous and imprudent hospitality. For these foreign forgers and looters of basilicas, we demand all the rigor of French laws. Pity towards them would be an unpardonable weakness. Their lair discovered, and without fear of scandal, they must be expiated. Nothing would be more dangerous for us than their impunity.

Let's not fall into Scylla to avoid Charibde...

Roger Boucard