THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14580, 5 December 1912, Page 3

THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PBESS." Sir, —Your issue of tho 3rd inst. contains tho account of a trial under tho Defence Act of a conscientious objector—a trial which is said to have, as usual, provoked amusement. This j boy pleaded that his dead mother wouiJ 'have felt against his military training, and the Magistrate is stated to have replied, "Your mother where she has gone has probably learnt better by this time." To many lads the influence of a dead mother remains as a permanent power for good, and it is to bo deeply regretted that Magisterial utterances should be so framed as to weaken that which is thus held sacred. We of English.blood claim that our land is great, because she lias so far fostered every variety and diversity of relig.ous Delie., and has maintained in a peculiar degree the sanctity of the home. These sources of national strength seem to many of us jeopardised by tho Defence Act. It has been said that we are civilised, but not human.sed; and it is to tho women that we look to bring about tho humanising of civilisation. Yes when this refinng, softening, influence, which your organ so frequently acclaims, is manifested in a son's life, it is held up to ridicule. Act dishonours the Commandments.—Yours, C C ELLEN VICKERS HOWELL.