As the matter will be further discussed before these words
appear, we need say little in the way of comment at present. We aro very glad that the Government wish to proceed cautiously, and not to impose penalties which would be a mere summary expression of popular anger. In fact, we recognize that they could not themselves act as judges ; they are themselves in the dock. Yet we must confess that the procedure they propose is not promising. Soldiers can always be dealt with by their own superiors. For them the creation of extra Courts is superfluous. As for most of the civilians concerned, it is almost impossible to see how a legal case could be stated against them as a prosecutor would state it in a Court of Law. The method suggested does not seem to fit the circum- stances. Yet we admit that if punishments are to be inflicted it is essential to sift the evidence and distinguish genuine errors of judgment from culpable professional neglect. These thoughts are only first hasty reflections, and we must of course return to the subject.
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