CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 110, 3 February 1919, Page 6

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Sir,—l read with pleasure the answer given by Sir James Allen to a deputation from the Labour Conference ancnt the a'bove objectors. I consider ho gave the only reasonable answer possible. - Thes.e men that are now in gaol and those still to bo put. there deserve all they get. When a nation for nations) is fighting for its freedom, for its life, are certain freaks of men to be .considered? Is the nation to submit to serfdom because a certain number are shirkers? I say a. man that is physically capable must assist in tlie defence of his country. If it is proved that lie has. a good reason for not actually "going over the top," lie must serve iii some other capacity, so as to relieve tho men who are brave enough to do so. Why should those.now confined have their punishment remitted because the war is over? It is not through any of their assistance that it is over. The Hun has proved himself a beast of prey, and but for tlie strong forces put against him we should have been under his heel now. Those who have so far evaded the law will yet, 1 hope, bq arrested and given their gv'upl. To punish a man for fa-caking (he law <if his country is not. vinriictiveness. It Is n. punishment to him for wrong-doing nnd a deterrent to the next man: I do not wish to quarrel with workers, because I am one myself. But, Sir, I am one to do a fair deal and give those who went to the war all kudos and consideration, but the shirker, certainly punish him, nnd do not let him hold "soft" billets while his countrymen bto saving his country from destruction.—l am etc., MARK MAXTON.