LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2700, 21 February 1916, Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PUNISHMENT FOR OUR SINS, Sir,—Heading Saturday's paper yesterday, I saw the letter of "Jiusticus," and it greatly interested mo. May I intrude on a. little space in which to reply to it. Tho closing question of the lector, wlliicli asks whether tho war raging from 1703 to 1815 was a punishment for the sins of tho nation, reminded me of a jc'hool riddle, the correct reading of which almost gives the answer to the question. Children wrote it thus:* Laws Laws Monarchy. Can you read it? ".Religion was blotted out or erased, the Laws were set aside, and the Monarchy was overturned." This refers to the French .Revolution, but when Louis XVI and his Queen Marie Antoinette were guillotined, war was declared against France by Britain, Holland, Spam, Prussia, and live smaller States, in 1793, the strife continuing, for 22 years. It is evident that there were many sins to be put down and punished. The infidel writings of Voltaire and lloussoau were responsible for much mischief, the, court and nobles were recklessly extravagant, causing a great want of money in France, chiefly—but we know that in England the foppishness and profligacy of the timo were very great, perhaps more particularly in the reign of George IV. Whitfield and Wosle/s preaching did much good, and aroused the Church of England to think of her duty, for it was a time when a poor clergyman thought'himself "parsing rich on forty poulias a year." Besides, Sunday schools'had been started, and a tour of mercy made among the prisons of Europe by John Howard. Good was ever present battling against the evils. Later Napoleon's araoition and his disregard of treaties and promises could not go unchecked.—l am, etc., ROSTICA.

, THE WAR AND AFTER. Sir,—l have read with interest Articles ou tho war written by your numerous correspondents. Many questions lavs been raised, but never have I seen tho following. Not only have we to win the war, but we have to rebuild. our nation afterwards. Men are being killed. in -thousands, and women or© left. Even before tie war there were many more women than men. What will it be in future? Millions of unmarried women —and yot there is the race (already depleted) to bo rebuilt. Why not allow willing women (many aro anxious) to share the dangers of tho war with their brothers, lovers, and husbands,? It would equalise the num. ber of men and .women, and thus minimiso considerably tho wastage of war. Surely something can be found for women to do (apart from - tlioir noble work here). Many are strong, willing, capable, and resourceful, and better nblo to go than many married men with families. Thanking you in Anticipation for your space,—l am, etc., . ' WILLING TO SERVE. Levin, February 16.

[Several of our - women . correspondents have already expressed anxiety to serve their country iu the firing line.]