"GLORIES OF WAR."

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 2, 8 December 1911, Page 15

"GLORIES OF WAR."

Sydney, November 22. The "Daily Telegraph's" special correspondent, describing the burning of the native city of Hankau, under direction, of the Chinese Imperial generals, says where once was a splencity with a population of half a million, there is now. a heap of smouldering ruins. With live shell, lyddite, and kerosene, the troops swept through the streets destroying. Burning shells from the batteries, posted by rebels at, Wuchang, had no influence in checking the terrible and wanton holocaust. How much damage was done, and how many lives were lost, will never be known. » B m On Wednesday of last week the Lower Hutt cadets, who were summoned to attend the swearing-in ceremony, manifested am independence of spirit which pained and surprised Sergeant-Ma jor Corkill, who was in charge. The lads kicked up a shindy, and the officers found it impossible to maintain the discipline so dear to the heart of the militarist. The swearinging was begun under difficulties, caused by the refractory attitude of the lads, who refused to come forward, on the ground of religious/ scruples. A sky pilot, with the appropriate name of McCaw, endeavoured vainly to restore order. His remarks were lost amid hoots and jeers. He tvied to get a hearing, but this was denied him, and he was asked what business it was of his. Finally, cushions were thrown at him, and the rev. gentleman was covered with kapoc and confusion." The recruits formed a procession outside the hall, and went home singing and shouting. Evidently the spirit of revolt is abroad in the land. Similar happenings have occurred at Kilbirnie, Mitohelltown, and elsewhere. « « 9 Further particulars regarding the refusal of men to undergo compulsory military training at Pahnerston North (referred to in last week'is "Worker") are to hand- It appears! that about 40 young men from . outlying districts came into Palmerston to attend drill. They held a meeting and Resolved that drill was off, so far as they wore concerned. Thirty of them immediately returned home. They have been informed that fines will be imposed on them by the Commanding Officer. Looks as if the anti-militarist movement .was beginning to bear fruit. * - * Soft Job Wanted.—On account of unforeseen closing of Defence Act for extensive alterations and repairs. •"Had" several years in rounding up men. No good at boys, Socialists, and anti-militarists. Well acquainted with goose step. Can kill. Had "college" education. Not given to reasoning Avhy. Hold Godley references, but further inquiries as to character not solicited. Religion to suit engagement. Would prefer cattle ranch, poultry run, or back-blocks butchery. ; Principles not dealt with. —Apply (telegrams only), "Disgusted," "Evening News" or Defence Office (back door), Christchurch.' * as Wanted to Exchange.—A number of superior Military Officers for a few good draught horses, also a number of rifles and other military requisites for a few good loads of road metal or bridge material. Apply Miss N.Z., P. 0., Wellington. a *> * Unless .those who oppose the Defence scheme both for conscientious reasons and as a protest against the way the whole business was passed without the people's opinion being asked, make a strong protest by recording their votes against the members who so flagrantly trampled down the people's right by imposing upon them additional burdens and restrictions without first consulting them, the Government will take it for granted that the country approves of the scheme. It should also be borne in mind that the inclusion of a wide conscience clause would mean the breaking down of the whole scheme, and the Government's intentions, as revealed by the Minister of Defence and the General commanding the forces, is rather in the other direction,—"W.C. Times." * * « Baron d'Estoumelles de Constant, the French advocate of international peace, estimated that the wars during the revolution and tho first Empire have reduced the population of France by 20,000,000. Ho estimates that the wars cost the lives of between 2,000,000 and 5,000,000 men, and multiplying the minimum by several generations he reached his conclusion.