THE MILITARY SERVICE BILL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2787, 3 June 1916, Page 6

THE MILITARY SERVICE BILL

Sir,—A great deal has been writtorfand spoken, especially in Britain, as to 'the causo and need of prosecuting tho war with the utmost vigour, and at all costs Until "Prussian militarism" 'is crushed, i may be somewhat at a-loss to know what is'meant by "Prussian militarism," and would bo grateful for a clear definition. But as my thoughts turn to this thing which has fastened itself on' the German nation like a huge octopus, and which .is now draining that nation's life blood, I can only see in its initial stages 1 what is now taking place in Great Britain and also in New Zealand in adopting conscription. In New Zealand the measure now before the House of Ee-pres&ita-tives,. being more drastic than the 'British measure, would no doubt, be on'a par with the Continental Acts enforcing militarism. It is curious that., there should be a'section of the community advocat-. ing the adoption of that which -is* said- to; have caused the present-'dreadful' catas-, trophe in Europe, with its awful carnage, wasto, and untold- suffering. Surely it' must bo financially interested parties who ore so desirous of inflicting this monstrous iniquity on this country. The tentaclcs, of this octopus are far reaching, and it is possiblo it has made its influence to be felt in our country, too. To a close observer there seems to be a closely allied section of interested peoplo in the. old countries belonging to the army, navy, exmembers of Government, members of Parliament, in company with the manufacturers of munitions, ordnance, outfitters, tbo builders of warships* etc., who have a powerful Press at'their command, and it is wonderful to note that how, notwithstanding the magnificent response of over five million recruits-to the voluntary system of recruiting, that, these coteries with their Press have littlo by little succeeded in gulling and forcing the British Government to their present position. There are those who say that the voluntary system has failed or that it is inadequate and unequal to giving all future, requirements may need, and' so on, etc.; The state of present recruiting as~far as I can judge does not warrant such a supposition. I believe that one good; voluntary man is better than, a dozen forced ones. In any case, I trust that the Bill "now betore tho House, before it'leavos it, will nt any rate be as liberal in its provisions as the British measure, and pormit the men of this laud also to have a conscience—l ain.i etc., i ■ ■ NOT OF MILITARY AGE. : LABOUR MEMBERS AND COMPULSION. Sir,—l see in o-night's paper, four La- ; bour members of Parliament attended a ; meeting protesting against compulsion. Sir, I would like, to know the names-of i tho four members, as probably tho electors of tho country would also." We, the workers, if a vote were taken, would by a large majority support compulsion, taking as an indication Mr. E. J. Carey's farewell. If all saw the same as ho did, there would be no doubt where Labour - stood. Trusting the names will be pub 7 .'lished, so as the. workers will know how to treat them.—l am,.ctci,. MEMBER'lsth BEINFORCEMENTS.'. Stratford, May 27. , 1 [Our. correspondent will' secfrom our report of the proceedings in Parliament how the- Labour members talked and voted on the Compulsion Bill.]