LORD ROBERTS ON UNIVERSAL TRADING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 104, 18 September 1912, Page 4

LORD ROBERTS ON UNIVERSAL TRADING.

Lord Roberts, speaking on the necessity for universal training in Great Britain, said:—"Germany knows well that efficiency of armaments, even more so than 100 years ago, depends essentially upon their being founded upon the natio* itself, and upon drawing their strength of mind and muscle, of courage, and aspirations from the very blood of the whole nation. Such armaments can only he attained by one means —the training of all able-bodied men of the State. Politicians tell us that the country will not stand compulsory training. I aim persuaded it is not true. As long as our fellow countrymen are soothed and flattered by their leaders that the territorial force as at present constituted can give the backing that is necessary to the navy and regular army, there is no need for considering compulsory service, and they are not to be blamed for their belief ; but if our leaders would have the honesty and the courage to tell them the truth — namely, that we, are on the eve of a great crisis without parallel .certainly within the past 100 years, and that our national forces are unfit to meet the strain that may be put upon us with any assurance of success—l feel confident that the present generation of Brit - ishers would willingly accept the first reform necessary—universal training, compulsory upnTi all alike, upon rich and poor, high and low, from the son of the Duke to the son of the laborer—as the foundation of our territorial force, instead of the foolish and unfair method of voluntary discipline. The real difficulty is to get our leaders to take the country into their confidence and tell them about this vital matter. When T consider the certainty of the struggle, its probable nearness, and the momentousne.«s of the issues at stake. I am astounded that the nation should lie left in the dnrk as to the danger with which we have to cope, and for which we most oertainly arc not prepared. If our political traders will not, put the true position before our fellow countrymen. : ( i*

all the more necessary tliat those who love their country and who ihnve tri-eat commercial interests at stake should join with ns in our efforts to protect Great Britain from falling from her hi':': estate. With all the strength and earnestness I posses®, I want to impress up- "" Wet aim eann.rit-.be fnlfi!!--! we hav/ a navy strong enough to

ensure our supremacy at sea, and an army strong enough to prevent invasion, and to givs the navy liberty to be free from these shores."