12 OCTOBER 1901, Page 14

THE BOER CONCENTRATION CAKES.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sin,—I ask an opportunity for the consideration of one principle involved, independent of special circumstances, which seems to me to have been strangely ignored by both sides. I mean the simple truth that in responsibility, as in other things, there is a more and less. It is always assumed on the one hand, and generally conceded on the other, that there are no degrees in responsibility. If innocent children are by our action in a worse position than they would have been in their own homes, then, it seems taken for granted, wo are responsible for their illness and death just as much as we should have been if their welfare had been our sole care. I do not suppose any one would agree with this opinion thus stated, but I have read hardly any argument on the Pro-Boer side which did •not depend on this as its suppressed premiss, and what is more surprising, I have seen very little of the defence which did not accept this issue, and aim at showing that we might come eif guiltless from that point of view. Such an assurance is consolatory to every one, but it does not touch the real pestion at issue. By all means let the facts be made known, lamentable as they may be, let every circumstance be fully ascertained, and every possible remedy adopted. Nay, let the whole policy of this concentration be arraigned if the objectors are ready to suggest an alternative. But do not let us enter on the investigation with the implied promise that any arrangement shown to be desirable for the prisoners or refugees, whatever we are to call them, shall be made with a sole consideration for that object; or that we can recon- sider the whole policy of the measure which has brought them together at the bidding of those who propose no other. None demonstrate impolicy but those who have some other plan to bring forward ; to condemn the aim is to close the discussion.—I am, Sir, &c., A READER OF HISTORY.