Page:The invasion of the Crimea vol. 1.djvu/334

 292 0K1G1N OF THE WAR OF 1853 chap, to disperse. This is a wilful and malignant . L_ slaughter of bystanders ; but still it is a slaughter of bystanders whose presence might become in- convenient to the troops, and therefore, perhaps, it is not simply wanton. Again, it has happened (as we have but too well seen) that soldiers not engaged in combat, and exposed to no real danger, have suddenly fired into the midst of crowds of men and women who neither opposed nor obstructed them. This is 'wanton massacre.' Again, it has sometimes happened, even in modern times, that when men defeated in fight have thrown down their arms and surrendered themselves, asking for mercy, the soldiery to whom they appealed have refused their prayers, and have instantly killed them. This is called ' giving no quarter.' Again, it has happened that defeated combatants, having thrown down their arms and surrendered at discretion, and not hav- ing been immediately killed, have succeeded in constituting themselves the prisoners of the van- quishing soldieiy, but presently afterwards (as, for instance, within the time needed for taking the pleasure of an officer on horseback at only a few yards' distance) they have been put to death. This is called 'killing prisoners.' Again, defeated combatants, who have succeeded in constituting themselves prisoners, have been allowed to remain alive for a considerable time, and have afterwards been put to death by their captors, with circum- stances indicating deliberation. This is called ' killing prisoners in cold blood.' Again, soldiers