There will be much discussion presently about the case of
Major Watts. He was escorting a prominent Matabele chief named Makoni to confinement, but, apparently en route, tried him by a field Court-Martial, which condemned him to death. Major Watts telegraphed to the High Court to confirm the sentence, but before the answer arrived the prisoner en- deavoured to escape. Major Watts thereupon ordered him to be shot. He has consequently been placed under arrest pending an inquiry, and of course those who condemn or acquit him must await further details. It is perfectly certain, however, that the policy of shooting the Matabele Chiefs after they have surrendered, considered merely as policy, is radically bad. They are thereby forced to keep in outlawry, and each chief has a band of devotees. The true course is to be merciless to those who have ordered the murder of women and children, but to treat those who are guilty only of rebellion as ordinary offenders, liable to detention and confiscation of goods, but not to capital penalties. A declara- tion of "No Quarter" never pays or can pay, and always demoralises those who proclaim it.
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