Aristocracy and Compulsion.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 74, 9 August 1912, Page 4

Aristocracy and Compulsion.

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It is a most significant and instructive tiling to examine the list of public bodies alleged to be in favor of conscription published broadcast by the "loyal" and "patriotic" Chamber of Commerce at Palmerston North, which has been assiduously collecting resolutions for some mouths.

It would be inte;eating to ask a question or two regarding this imposing list.

tor example: How many members of these boards were present when the resolutions were put? How many persons tlie total number of boards would amount to? Whether any persons voted against the resolutions? What mandate these bodies had from tho people they represent to express tho opinion of their constituents? The total money value, of the voters for the resolutions? Why the Christchurch group did not evidently approvo of the capitalistic move? Y.'hy the workers' unions aro not iucluded in this llispt p What advantage it'would be to the Pelorous Road Board to have conscription? And so we might go on.

No doubt the Minister of Defence will be greatly impressed with this exhibition of loyalty from persons who cannot be called upon to serve their country. It would be interesting to see the attitude of those same gentlemen had conscription included them within its clutches. No wonder then if they had argued that they were not sent to office to express their opinions on a purely political subject.

Oh, this "patriotic" spirit! How wonderfully it can adapt itself to circumstances ! But the workers will not be gulled. That is one comfort.