There are very few who like to hear of the death of another, but it has 10 be said that it Is satisfactory to learn that three of the officials responsible for the unnecessary firing of Changsha, merely upon a rumour that the Japanese were advancing upon the city, causing 2 conflagration in which it is reported that 2,000 unfortunate Chinese were burned to death, have been executed. The destruction of govern: ment property to prevent it falling intact into the enemy's hands is purely a matter for the Chinese Government, but this reckless burning of cities in pursuance of the "scorched earth" policy is something entirely different. While it possible to agree with the contention that a retracting army, like the Chinese, is justified in destroying anything which may prove of assist~ nee to the invader, the ruthless destruction of the humble dwellings of the average Chinese citizen is without any justification whatever. Thus the firing of Chapel was not just the destruction of government property embarrassment for the enemy, but the wiping out of thousands of small homes and businesses of people who could ill-afford the previous loss {naleted upon them. Wanton destruction, for no military purpose whatever cannot be commended by anyone possessed of a reasonable mind, and in carrying out the policy of the "Seorehed earth" some of the Chinese authorities seem {0 have gone to lengths which cannot possibly be defended. Civilian China in the Interior is suffering enough by reason of the very fact of the existence of hostilities, but that their misery should be added to by a callous disregard of their interests cannot but. arouse the severest condemnation. In the clrcumstances the penalty which has been inflicted upon these men seems to be amply justified.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.