LAW MUST PREVAIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1794, 26 February 1918, Page 2

LAW MUST PREVAIL.

SAYS MINISTER OF DEFENCE. f .ANTI-MILITARISTS AND THEIR TREATMENT. Wellington, Yesterday. In a statement given to the Press, the Minister of Defence enters upon a lengthy vindication of the Department's treatment of anti-mili-tarists. He corrects the impression general in the public mind that all objectors are “conscientious” objectors, and points out (hat the ortly objector recognised by law is the “religious objector,” whose appeal will he allowed if he proves that on / August, 4th, .1914, he was a member of a, religions body whose doctrines declare the bearing of arms and the performance of combatant service contrary to Divine revelation. After explaining and justifying the treatment of objectors sent abroad, the Minister concludes: “The question of the treatment of anti-militarists presents a clear-cut issue for the people of this country to consider: * (a) Whether the laws solemnly and deliberately enacted by Parliament are to be obeyed, or (b) Whether defiance of the law is to bo permitted and those persons who know no rule but their own inclinations arc to be practically exempt from military service, while citizens and sons of citizens who recognise and obey the law are to serve and possibly suffer wounds and death in the interests of the nation? The military authorities are responsible for administering the Military Service Act, and wbat they have done baa been legally done. If is not conceivable that the people of this country would approve of a course permitting persons who set the law ■ at defiance to be absolved from the law and to be governed by their own inclinations. If the responsible authority is to knuckle under to insubordination, the whole fabric of the British Empire will crumble uRq chaos,” * •• X ■