The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 1916. MILITARY SERVICE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 28, 8 January 1916, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 1916. MILITARY SERVICE.

The first reading in the House of Commons of the British Military Service Bill having been agreed to by such a very large majority is an indication ol public feeling and a sure sign that the measure will become law. On all ■sides the determination of the Imperial Government to provide for the partial application, at least, of compulsory military service in the hour of the. Empire’s grave need, will be welcomed as the only right and proper step that could be taken. The Bill now before the Imperial Parliament is not a perfect measure, and will assuredly have its strong opponents. Though it proposes to apply compulsion to only a limited section of Britain’s male population, it will make available on a rough estimate, another million recruits. It is generally held by those who have given the closest attention and study to the question, that the voluntary system has been strained to the uttermost and the limit having been reached it is necessary for the nation’s liie and in common justice to our noble Allies, that a departure from the cherished traditions of the voluntary system must be made, even il it is only a temporary departure until lull victory is gained. Never would the world have believed that such a splendid answer to the call to arms could have been made as that Britain and her daughters have spontaneously given, but tilt* fact remains that more has yet to bo done ami with the material at hand, il' the right course is taken, there can bo only one way out. Ibe course now taken is, apart Irom all

sentimentality. absolutely justiiied on the grounds of sternest necessity and the highest sense of justice to our brethren in the trenches who are facing the hrutal horrors ol war as made by Connnny. Lord Kitebeuei - . keenest and dearest visioned of all «'.nr leaders, after infinite faith in the voluntary system and even after the

splendid response to the latest appeals for men, has now plainly stated that the old and long-reverenced voluntary system, without some modifications, cannot in this great emergency mamtain Britain’s Army as it must he maintained if we are to gain that complete victory determined upon by the spirit of the nations that have banded their strength for the world’s liberty.