"GOD'S JUDGMENT NIGH."

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1762, 29 May 1913, Page 4

"GOD'S JUDGMENT NIGH."

WEIRD LETTER TO DR. M'ARTHUH. Yesterday afternoon Dr. A. M'Artliur, S.M., received the following from the pen of some anti-militarist. The letter Ijoro 11m New Plymouth postmark, and was handed over to a Dominion representative, who took a copy of it. The letter states:—

"Dr. M'Artliur,—Sir, I wish to eay a f«w words to you about your administration of tho Defeneo Act. 1 am informed that you have been practising persecution to young men a,ud boys for their alleged neglect of military parades. Wliat you have dono in this matter is deserving of tho utmost condemnation. I consider that a mall of your ability ought to know what is morally and equitably light, but it appears you do not. Tho Fact of your bring a Magistrate does not l'eliovo you of your duty to God and humanity. It is tho duly of a conscientious magistrate to say to tho Government, 'This compulsion is n great injustico, and 1 for my part cannot cnforco it; 1 would rather relinquish my position than tx> commit myself to such iniquity.'. Tho Legislature wag at fault in making tho Act compulsory. 'I'liey have no moral right to compel any man to drill. This compulsory clauso ivill have to bo rescinded. The inhumanity to man practised by magistrates demon-, strates that they aro automata, almost destitute of moral and religious character, and expert in all tho' Devil's liaudicrait, and Ifke 17io unjust jmlgo wo rend of in tho Gospel who neither feared God nor regarded man. Sir, '1 entreat you to wash your hands of this diabolical imposition. I hope that if you repeat this injustico a guilty conscience may keep you awake through tho dark cold nights of tho W *'Tho compulsory military training is a notorious outrage upon British freedom, l't is an abomination, a monstrosity, and a damnable hobby; and thoeo who cnforco it aro deserving of tho utmost abuse. I wish vou would show this letter to tho Minister of Justice. Those who want to serve tho Devil may do so, but they have no right to compel others. (Plea.se keep your eve upon God's judgment, nigh at Sand.)''