15 NOVEMBER 1902, Page 18

The Canadians have solved the very serious difficulty created by

the Dukhobors by the unhesitating employment of force. The fanatics, weakened by privation and exposure, were sur- rounded by mounted police, and although the men threw them- selves into a solid square, and flung their arms round each other's necks, they were forced to enter a train, which carried them back to their own settlement. Less than thirty got away and recommenced their terrible march into the wilderness. There was, we fancy, some rough work, for it is reported that "no one was seriously injured," but the authorities were obviously in the right. However excellent the character of the Russian settlers—and it seems to be unblemisbed—they were marching to certain death, and the spirit of the laws in all com- munities ruled by English ideas forbids suicide. One can hardly help wondering what would happen if ono of these wonderful delusions imposed on its victims the duty of fighting for their faith. That has occurred in European history once or twice, notably in the great "Anabaptist" outbreak of Luther's time, and in Asiatic history repeatedly. There would be nothing for it but to kill the insurgents; yet killing men for religious illu- sions is utterly and justly condemned by modern sentiment. •