From a plain consideration of figures it is possible to conceive the tragedy that is Belgium. By the end of last week nearly 60,000 refugees had passed through the hands of the War Refugees Committee. By the end of the present week the number will be nearly 100,000.
One-sixtieth part of the population of Belgium has fled to our shores, and while we deplore the cause which has uprooted them from their own country we extend with sympathy – or rather with a certain pride – the hospitality of Great Britain to these sufferers in our common cause.
Beyond all previous struggles this is a civilian war – a war in which civilians suffer and which civilians alleviate the suffering. Never was there greater need for service given loyally and ungrudgingly, and those who are tending the fugitives from Belgium are dealing with an enormous task in a magnificent way. Since the bombardment of Antwerp began thousands of refugees have been dealt with every day by the committee. Food homes, and clothing have been found for them. The workers have been engaged at their self-imposed duty practically night and day.
One can understand the difficulty of finding even temporary shelter for refugees at the rate of some thousands a day, but as Lord Gladstone stated on Monday, “Somehow it has been done.” The work of the committee has been simplified inn on or two cases by the action of localities which have provided accommodation for large numbers of refugees.
