22 JUNE 1918, Page 3

We do not know enough about the other facts to

make very definite comments, but on the face of it the action of some- body at the Home Office seems to require further inquiry. If visits to prisoners' camps by private persons who have influence are permitted without valid reason, it would become almost impossibly difficult to defend our " ruling classes " against the breath of slander which is all too prevalent. The recent cam- paign of slander has been infamously cruel and false. The reason is all the stronger for everybody connected with the Administration to avoid even the appearance of evil.