SINCE we wrote last week on the execution of Miss Edith Cavell the whole infamous story has been revealed to us. The ruthless invaders of Belgium were determined that this brave woman should be done to death. It was embarrassing to them that the representatives of two great neutral States — Spain and America — worked night and day for the commutation of the death-sentence, services for which they have earned the admiration of the whole civilized world, and the deep gratitude of Miss Cavell’s countrymen. But the Germans, being lost to all sense of honour as to every humane feeling, put them off with lies. They told them that the sentence would certainly not be carried out until some time elapsed; yet four or five hours later, in the dark hours before the dawn, they executed a woman whose calling, if not her sex, entitled her to mercy. No wonder that already some of our men have charged the enemy, having for their battle-cry, “Remember Edith Cavell!” The men also on whom the country is calling will do well to remember her, and to bethink them of what would befall their own sisters and mothers if they should chance to fall into the power of these savages. There is reason to believe that this thought has not been without effect in the recruiting campaign, and, if this is the case, it should continue to be an instrument of persuasion.

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