THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The concentration camps are commonly justified on the ground of necessity,—as the only alternative to wholesale starvation. There is, however, a question to be faced. Would the Boer women and children die as quickly from starvation on the veld as they die of disease in the camps? The devastated country, it will be remembered, has still to support a native population. It is amply evident (see a letter in your last issue) that the women prefer to stay out and take their chance in their caves. This is an aspect of the matter which you overlook when you attempt to saddle Steyn. and Kruger with the death-rate. It has never been said that these women and children were brought in because they might be of use as spies to the men, but I think that refiec- ti9n has probably weighed with the authorities. It is important that the country should realise its responsibilities in this matter, and I regret to see you encouraging it to attempt an evasion of them.—I am, Sir, &o., AN IRISHMAN.
[We cannot reargue the point, but in our opinion a complete answer to our correspondent is afforded by the passage in Mr. Brodrick's speech dealing with the camps.— ED. Spectator.]
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