"Conscription.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 88, 21 April 1913, Page 5

"Conscription.”

IMPERIAL POLITICS. THE TERRITORIALS. [ By Electric Telegraph—-Coi*yhicht] [United Press Association j London, April 19.

Lord Roberts had an extraordinary reception at Leeds. Three thousand welcomed him at the Town Hall, and 30,000 at Victoria Square, where ho made a speech. Cinematographed on a huge screen, he said that the reception was a sign of a great revolution of public opinion. Seven months earlier it seemed beyond human power to rouse the country as to the torpor of the youth of the nation. The politicians forming the Cabinet were mostly blind. In Roman history the word “conscription” was a badge of honor. Ho compared the proposed citizen army with the Continental system, and declared that it was unfair and unpatriotic to describe national service as “slavery” or “a blood tax.” It would be exclusively for homo defence, and would never ho required to deal with strikers.

Ml- Arthur Lawley seconded the resolution, which was carried with enthusiasm. Mr Lawley said that when Canada, New Zealand and Australia sought to strengthen the naval and military forces, it was not in a spirit of militarism or aggrandisement, but in order that when England’s voice was raised in the councils of nations she might be enabled to insist upon peace. Lord Escher has resigned the chairmanship of the London branch of the Territorial Association. Field-Mar-shal Nicholson will succeed him. branch adopted a resolution in favor of the adoption of some system to increase the Territorials.

The Right Hon. C. E. Hobhouse. speaking at Bristol, denied the necessity for compulsory service. There were no commitments of any sort wibl Continental nations. The Dominions action had enormously reduced tin possibility of a call upon the MothcrlancTT

The Right Hon. A. Ere, speaking at Bromley, said that the next Budget would ho that of 1910 over again.

Mr Lloyd George intends to devote £20(000,000 to social reform. the overseas forces. (Received 8.30 a.m.) London, April 20. Colonel Seely, speaking before the Territorial Association at Birmingham, said' that the ovefseas forces were all advancing in efficiency with a deter mination to render, military and naval help effective by developing their pl'lfl? ; before thy hour of danger. • ’’"' THE HOUSING BILL. London, April 19. In the House of Commons tin Housing Bill, framed by tho I nion ists, passed its second reading by 18 to 41. I m.'Right Hon. W. H. Long promis, ed that a Conservative Government would favour State grants to loca 1 authorities. ( Mrfiohn Burns opposed the Bill or the ground that it was based on a pernicious system,, of doles.