NATIONAL SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3118, 23 June 1917, Page 11

NATIONAL SERVICE

AKCHBISHOP OF LIVERPOOL'S LETTER. In a letter to his clergy, tho Roinan Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool writes as follows to encourage, volunteering .for national service :-^- During the week beginning March 25 a united appeal is bemg made to tho ■people of this country to take up the work of national, service. When the call to arms came at the beginning of the present war* the response of the Catholics of the diocese and of the whole of Lancashiro was so magnificent that we leal we may count on a eynipathetic consideration of the present appeal. It is addressed to those who are left lehind at home. To pave tho way to on early and victorious conclusion of tno war, all, without distinction, old as well as young, arc invited to take up some form or other of national service. .Owing to 'the withdrawal of millions of men from civil occupations, and owing again to tho employment of millions ol men and women in munition and similar works, both tho production and tlio distribution of many of the comforts and even of the necessaries of life have been seriously .curtailed. The deficiency of these things has been iiuule still further apparent by tho ruthless submarine warfare, of the enemy against the sea-borne supplies of tho country. _ If, then, the needs of the soldiers at tho front are to be adequately supplied, and if, furthermore, the danger of serious destitution at home is to be minimised, it is imperative that the activities of every man and woman in tho country must be enlisted and mobilised, pntil Buch time as tho victory of our armies is finally assured, all must bo prepared to sacrifico their convenience and comfort 4o meet the pressing needs of the country. Sorno nro nsked to fill the gaps made in tho ranks of tho men who were hitherto employed in essential occupations, and wlio nro no* called to military service. Others may help in one way or another to maintain and to increase tho supply of tho necessaries of life. But what all can do and what all arc asked to do, is to work with all thoir enei-s>.y at their «- istiii" occupations; to avoid all waste and all extravagance; and especially to bear misrmlßingly tho sacrifices which the prosent limited supply of food and clothing is imposing upon all. .' . We feel sure- that your people, encouraged by you, will cheerfully undertake such national service in R spirit of loyal patriotism, based as that,patriotism is not on mere sentiment, bur on the principles of the natural and dirine law.