CONSCRIPTION AND UNIONISM.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1198, 5 August 1911, Page 13

CONSCRIPTION AND UNIONISM.

Sir,—Wo arc informed by this truly Liberal Government that wo are to have compulsory military training for our youths and young men, but not conscription. As tho dictionary gives the meaning of tho word, "conscription" t-j Do "compulsory enrolment for military service," how, then, can it bo said that wo have not conscription? Now, I wish lo know what powers tho Government possess as regards the young men. who are called upon to undergo their fortnight's annual training. Can a man, say, who is a carpenter by trade, be compelled to work at his trade during this training, and receive but a paltry sum of Is. per diem, out of which no is cxpeetcd to pay for his rations? I understand that a soldier must obey his superiors, and consequently would bo obliged to work at this highly remunerative rato of pay, I commend this point to all secretaries of unions, seeing that the House is in session, by way of rectifying _an iniquitous piece of unasked-for legislation. By ventilating this matter in your columns you will greatly oblige,—l am, etc., DREADNOUGHT. July 31, 1911.