The new gun, "Long Cecil," manufactured in De Beers, was greatly prized. It distinguished itself on its début by plumping a shell in the centre of the Kamfersdam head-laager exactly over the position of the Dutchmen's gun. Bombardment continued spasmodically, sometimes at night, the shells entering several houses and "making hay" of the furniture; but wantonly barbarous was the attack on the laager containing the women and children, which took place on the 23rd of January. One of the little innocents was killed and another probably maimed for life. On the 24th more bombardment began as early as four in the morning, and firing continued all day. The worst feature in the affair was the attack--deliberate and premeditated it appeared--on the hospital, which caused general grief and indignation. There was no excuse for such inhumanity, as the place was distinguished by two Red Cross flags. Very lamentable was this habit of the Boers to violate the sacred rules of the Geneva Convention, for it alienated even those who were in sympathy with their cause. They could not plead ignorance of the rules of warfare, for at one time they ignored these rules to play the barbarian, while at another they utilised them to act the poltroon. The history of the Convention may not be generally known. It was promoted in 1864 and subsequently signed by all the Continental Powers. It was decided that-- 1. Ambulances and military hospitals were to be recognised as neutral, and as such to be protected and respected by all belligerents. 2. The _personnel_ of these hospitals and ambulances, including the _intendance_, the sanitary officers, officers of the administration, as well as military and civil chaplains, were to be benefited by the neutrality. 3. The inhabitants of the country rendering help to the sick and wounded were to be respected and free from capture. 4. The sick and wounded were to be attended to without distinction of nation. 5. A flag and a uniform were to be adopted for the hospitals, ambulances, and convoys of invalids; an armlet or badge for the _personnel_ of the ambulances and hospitals. 6. The badge was to consist of a red cross on a white ground. Committees were formed throughout Europe and America to carry out this convention, and the Society worked under the title of the "International Society of Aid for the Sick and Wounded." It played its first important part in 1870 in the Franco-German War, before which time battlefields had been scenes of almost inhuman torture. Now, in consequence of the brutal disregard of a world-appreciated agreement, the Boers--in many ways men of fine character--were placing themselves beneath contempt. Their conduct also to the loyalists and non-belligerents was also causing exasperation.