COMPULSORY SERVICE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 19, 23 January 1915, Page 4

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

Lord Haldane’s assertion that the British Government already possesses

sufficient power to put in force compulsory enrolment is no doubt bused upon a similar argument to that brought forward in 1875, when an attempt was made to pass legislation on the subject. Undoubtedly so far as the navy is concerned, the power of the press-gang to seize men for service in the fleet still exists, inasmuch as from the time of King John down to that of King William TV. it was consistently practised, and no legislation has ever deprived the King of his inherent right. Indeed, there are still in existence certain laws to regulate the process, and, therefore, any subject of his Majesty is liable within certain limits to be called upon to serve in the fleet. Theoretically there is also a liability to conscription for the army. This arises from the fact that from 1829 to 18(55 an Act was passed annually by the British Parliament suspending all proceedings for' F

raising militia by ballot, unless directed by Order-in-Council, and the Act 1 of the last-named years has been an- 1 nuaily continued by the Expiring Laws Continuation Act.