THE REFERENDUM VOTE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2915, 30 October 1916, Page 4

THE REFERENDUM VOTE

The Kaiser and the friends of Germany will no doubt be cheered and encouraged by'the vote of so large a section of the people of Australia against the introduction of compulsory military service. The issue is not yet finally decided, and the totals recorded to-day will in all probability be materially changed when the final figures are made known, but tho result of the referendum,' bo it in _ tho , end for or against conscription, cannot afford any ground for congratulation to patriotic Australians. German agents, the ruffians of the_ 1.W.W., and the anti-conscriptiouists have played the game of Germany with, some effect. At the moment, out of a total of 1,358,875 votes to hand, 722,306' have been recorded against compulsion, and 636,569 in favour of it. The antr-conscriptionists, therefore, have up to tho present.a., margin in their favour of some 85,000 votes. It is said that a heavy poll was anticipated, and if that expectation proves to have been realised something like half a million more votes may bo added to the totals already disolosed. In 1913 the number of votes polled totalled 1,800,000 odd, so that it will be seen that there is yot room for .material changes .in the figures so far to hand. Moreover, the votes of the Australian soldiers in France, England, Egypt, and Kabaul have yet to come, and it is safe to assume that the majority of these will bo cast in favour of conscription. ,But as already stated, even though the ultimate figures may show a majority for conscription, neither Australia nor the Empire can take any pride in the outcome. Australia was afforded a great opportunity to show the world that behind her heroic troops, whose gallantry at Gallipoli and in' France has added fresh honour and distinction to British arms, was a united nation determined that tho sacrifices already made should not have been made in vain, and moro resolute than over to press forward in the struggle for the liberty and freedom her people enjoy. That opportunity has been missed. Until tho complete returns aro available it would be premature to discuss the possible effects of tho referendum. It may bo pointed out. however, that at the present time Australia requires to put some 16,000 men Iffto training each month in order to maintain''the reinforcements necessary for her forces at tho front. Under tho voluntary system of late sho has not been able lo seouro one-half that number.