It began with an expression of "pity that Miss Cavell had to be executed," but the sincerity of this pity can be measured by the fact that concurrently with Dr. Zimmermann's official apology there came from Berlin an "inspired" supplemental explanation, which sought to depreciate the character and services of the dead nurse by stating "that she earned a living by nursing, _charging fees within the means of the wealthy only_." The world has an abundant refutation of this cruel and cowardly slur upon the memory of a dead woman, for one who first hazarded her life and then gave it freely to save the lives of others--for such was the charge for which she died--is not a woman to restrict her gracious ministrations of mercy for mercenary motives. The Kaiser has been swift to see the deadly injury to his cause of this latest evidence of military tyranny. Not only has he respited Miss Cavell's alleged accomplices--as if to say with Macbeth, "thou canst not say I did it"--but it is said that he has summoned von Bissing and von der Lancken to explain their actions in the matter, but as the Kaiser is responsible for the invasion of Belgium and has hitherto condoned its attendant horrors, he can no more absolve himself from some share of responsibility than could Macbeth disavow his responsibility for the deeds of his two hirelings. _The stain of this murder rests upon Prussian militarism and not upon the German people_, for it should not be forgotten that possibly the most chivalrous act which has happened since the beginning of the war, was the erection by a German community, where a detention camp was maintained, of a statue to the French and English soldiers who had died in captivity, with the beautiful inscription: "To our Comrades, who here died for their dear Fatherland." What could be more chivalrous or present a greater contrast to the assassination of Miss Cavell? We are advised by Dr. Zimmermann that Miss Cavell was given a fair trial and was justly convicted, but as the proceedings of the trial were not public and as Miss Cavell was denied knowledge in advance of the trial of the nature of the charges against her, _and as we know little of the circumstances of her alleged offense except the reports of her judges and executioners_, the world will be somewhat incredulous as to whether the trial was as just to the accused as Dr. Zimmermann would have us believe.