MILITARY SERVICE BILL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15487, 14 January 1916, Page 7

MILITARY SERVICE BILL.

SECOND READING CARRIED. AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY. DARDANELLES HONOURS. MANY NEW ZEALAND AWARDS. (529 th DAY OF THE WAR,)

BRITAIN'S PART.

THE NEED FOR MEN. MILITARY SERVICE BILL. SECOND BEADING CAREIED. OVERWHELMING MAJORITY. (By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Received January 13th, 10 p.m.) LONDON, January 13. The debate on tho motion for tho second reading of the Military. Service (No. 2) Bill was resumed in tho House of Commons. Sir John Simon said they bad to consider whether our national unity would be endangered by tho Bili. There waa nothing in Lord Derby's roport to justify the assertion that Mr Asquith's pledge should be fulfilled. It ought to be possiblo to find the persons who had no.t attested. They had to consider how far tho Bill approached Industrial Compulsion. He would resist the Bill because the Government was" strengthening tho same system which had made Germany a menace to the world. PRESERVING THE VOLUNTARY 1 SYSTEM. Mr Asquith, in replying, agreed that the main object on which they I wore all concentrating was to strike ; down Germany, but Sir John Simon in somo parts of his speech appeared to be far removed from tho actualities of tho situation, and to have lost all sense of perspective. Mr Asquith declared that there was no fear of general conscription. Tho Bill was going to be carried in the hope of maintaining and preserving the voluntary system. If he had not given his pledge that system would havo been dead. Ho spoke for the whole Government when he said that unless the Bill was passed, we would not obtain the men needed, wo would be unable to play our part in the war, and would not fulfil our obligations to our Allies. There was not tho slightest intention to use the measure against Industrialism. Ho hoped that the workers would accept that assurance. The Government were considering the adoption of safeguards to make any abuse on the part of employers impossible.

"If," said Mr Asquith, "when the Bill is in operation, the men who are holding back come forward of their own volition and place themselves at tho service of tho State, they will £ive us a new asset of incalculable value."

After Mr Asquith's pledge, the debate waned. Mr AY. M. R. Pringle announced that he and his friends withdrew their opposition. Mr Ellis Griffiths (Liberal) said the opposition to the Bill camo from tho Nationalists'and the Labourites. He added, ironically, that compulsion for a man to join a Trade Union was a splendid example of liberty, but to compel a man to join the Army was treason. Mr J. Dillon (Nationalist) regarded the Compulsion campaign as a conspiracy to drive out Mr Asquith, Lord Kitchener, and Sir Edward Grey. AN INSPIRING MESSAGE. Mr A. Henderson (labour) wound up the debate. He denied that tho Bill contained any insidious menace to industrial freedom. He appealed to Labour members to join the Houso in sending a message to their fellowworkmen in France and Belgium that the hour of their delivery was near. (Loud cheers, Mr Asquith patting 'Mr Henderson on the back).

THE DIVISION. The Bill was read a second time, the motion to reject it being negatived by 431 votes to 30. Tho division was received with applause. The minority included Sir John Simon (Liberal), Mr John Burns (Liberal) ,Mr J. H. Thomas (Labour), Mr R. L. Outhwaite (Liberal), Mr F. W. Jowett (Labour), Mr C. P. Trevelyan (Liberal), and Sir W. P. Byles (Liberal).

NOT EXEMPT,

ELIGIBLE PEERS AXD COMMONERS.

LONDON, January 12. In the House of Commons Mr Asquith, in reply to a question, said that members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons who were of _military age could not claim exemption from tho Military Service Bill.

GERMAN ANXIETY.

WARNING to the people

("Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services.)

f LONDON, January 12. socialist, Herr Gatke, a great military critic, writes in tho "Vorwacrts warning people not to heed tno assertions which are boing made in 1,.? . r ? ss the English Compulsion Bill is intended as a bluff to the Allies, ine surest proof is available that the case is far otherwise. Mr Lloyd George .has staked his whole political future and his great popularity on the adoption oi compulsion. The British are eiicf" t0 fieht ° n the bltte^

In discussing the military objections to sending out new troops with ;i shortage of officers, Horr Gathe asks where wore the preliminary formations for tho Australasian and .Canadian levies. He asserts that within the limitations of their masses there were weapons of good substitute quality, ihe Australasians, who made such a poor appearance in Egypt, though they were unable to storm the strong Turkish positions on GalJipoli, ye t did duty for months maintaining themselves suspended between rocks and water

ATTITUDE OF LABOUR.

THE MINERS. OPPOSITION TO COMPULSION. TALK OF NATIONAL STRIKE. (By Cable—Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, January 12. The South Wales Miners' Conference b.V 211 votes to 35 denounced the Military Service Bill. The South Wales miners decided that the only method of effectively opposing compulsion was a national strike after a ballot of all British miners had been taken. (Received January 13th. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 12. Tho brandies of the Miners' Federation were almost unanimous in opposing compulsion. The High Commissioner reports:— January 12 (5 .55 p.m.).. The Miners' Federation by 162 votes to 83 aro in favour of a national strike in the event of compulsory service being enforced. The miners throughout the country ballotted upon the question before adopting this course.

(Received January 13th, 11.50 p.m.) f LONDON, January 13. There is no doubt that the National Conference of Miners to-day will pass an academic resolution against compulsion, sincc the delegates will not vote according to their personal opinions, but in accordance with tho decision of the District Conferences It is unlikely that a majority will favour a national "dowp-too"ls policy." J. he vote of the South Wales Miners' Federation is Regarded as a bluff, particularly iu view of the Mcrthyr Tydvil election.

A CONFERENCE

MR ASQUITH AND LABOUR LEADERS. (Received January 14th, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 13. Mr Asquith privately conferred with the Labour leaders, including Mr A. Henderson. Mr G. H. Roberts, and Mr W. Brace, upon tho question of compulsion.

RESIGNATIONS WITHDRAWN.

ACTION OF LABOUR MEMBERS. LONDON', January 13. Messrs A. Henderson, W. Brace, and G. H. Roberts have withdrawn their resignations.

A CABINET APPOINTMENT.

LONDON, January 12. The Hon. E. S. Montagu has been appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, with a seat in the Cabinet. He retains the Financial Secretaryship of the Treasury, which he has hela since 1914.

THE EXCHANGE RATE.

DEALING "WITH AMERICAN : SECURITIES. A GREAT RUSH. (Received January 13tli. ".30 pjn.) LONDON, January 12. There is a great rush on the Bank of England to deposit American tiecurities to assist the exchange rate. The Bank has been compelled to extend its hours of business. In the House of Commons. Mr McKenna fcaid tho Government was dealing with a scheme to utilise tho American and Canadian securities held in Britain. jtle believed that the amount Jiekl in Britain was sufficient to pay our debts in tho United States, and keep up the exchange rate. One estimate of the value of Canadian and American securities held in Britain was between £700,000.0a0 and £800.00U.uX). Mr McKenna explained that the primary object was to purchase the securities outright, but it was recognised that many holders would be unable to sell. Tho Joan proposed was formulated as an alternative scheme, under which the securities could be loaned to the Government for two years, the Treasury having power to sell them in America and allowing the lender per cent, extra on the price realised. In order to cover the exchange difficulties, the Treasury's power to sell securities was indispensable. Not even inveterate pessimists had raised the question of our capacity to meet all liabilities, provided our resources could be liquefied and wo were given time. The new demands which wo were compelled to make on America had exhausted the largo surplus, and every care would have to be exercised to sec that we did not embarrass America. Mr McKenna added that tho acceptance of the proposal was urgent. Tho "Daily Chroiiiele" on November 19th said that the Government was taking steps to control American securities held in Britain. Mr McKenna and tho governors of the Bank of England conferred with leading insuranco companies, and a committee was appointed to arrange details. It is understood that the Government is prepared to purchase securities or obtain a loan from the holders. In the former case the holders will receive five per cent, fiveyear Treasury bonds, while in tho latter case the lenders will receive present interest plus a half per ccnt.

THE MUNITIONS BILL

THE QUESTION OF PROFITS. ('Times" and "Sydney Sun" Servioee.) LONDON, January. 12. In the House of Lords Lozd Kintoro, in discussing the Munitions Bill, said that the opportunity should be seized or giving the Minister discretion to fix tho standard of profits in the controlled establishments, and sot aside war profits for expansion after tho war of young establishments producing essentials like spelter. He moved an amendment in that direction. Lord Newton opposed tho amendment, and said that the Bill conferred ample discretionary powers. • Tho amendment was not pressed.

THE PRICE OF LEAD

CAUSE OF THE DECLINE

(Received January 13th, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 12. Tlie declino in- tho price of lead, which is quoted at £29 5s to £29 per ton, is attributed to the apprehension that tho Government will place the metal under the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act, and prohibit dealings in it without a permit. It is-under-stood that tho Ministry of Munitions regards tho recent activity as due to speculation, wliich at present is neither desirable nor warranted. . • ANTI-ZEPPELIN defences. AN INTERESTING REPORT. NEW YORK, Januiiry 12. Dr. W. H. Vincent, of the Colonial Medical Corps, who has arrived from England, reports that twelve Zeppelin attempts to bombard London during December failed owing to Greajb Britain's effective defences.

AN EMPIRE PROBLEM

SETTLEMENT AND EMPLOY3IENT. > SIR H. RIDER HAGGARD'S • MISSION. ; * LONDON. January 12./ Sir H. Rider Haggard in an interview, gave the Australian Press Association an outline of tlie i)ru£>:u«-_me of his world toiip on which be leaves in a few weeks' time. He will visit South Africa and then all the capitals of Australia and New Zealand in order to sec as much of the country as possible and to ascertain the openings for soldiers and other service men after tho war is over in the way either of settlement or of employment. "One result,<' he said, "of tho introduction of women workers into industry at Home will be a irreat exodus of men. We want to keep them within tho Empire, and not allow them to go to America or the Ar-' gentine. There has been great fraternisation between Britons and Australasians since the war began and the attractions of th c colonies have been well advertised. .Many wounded men will be unable to stand the English climate, and will appreciate the orchards and farms of Australia and thc industry of New Zealand. * ° ** "visit to Australia Convinced mo that it will support 50.000,000 moil. I consider the v, drk of settling the emigrants so important that I have volunteered ' to carrv it out in an honorary capacitv, as agricultural settlement has been niv life studv I go without any cut and dried plana and will discuss any possibilities with the different Governments with an open mind and see what associations and individuals arc willing to do to help. I will invite suggestioas and ask for the advice of all who are willing to help try to solve the problem. The scheme will possibly provide for assisted fares and help in the way of finance in the purchase of land and the giving of guidance thereafter. My present opinion is that men and women, children and widows, might be included- in thc proposal.

"After nij- investigations are completed I will submit my report and rcr commendations to the Royal Colonial Institute. I am undertaking the task from a sense of public duty and in the hope that it -will result in* good to the Empire."

NATIONAL ECONOMY.

AN IMPERATIVE NEED LIMIT TO "WAGES ADVANCES. ° LONDON, January 12. ' Cabinet announces that it has earnestly considered the financial position of the country, and stresses the imperative need for eoonomy. Having regard to tho general advances in wages since the war began, and tho measures taken to limit profits, tho Government concludes that any further advances on waffos, othor than tho advances following automatically from existing agreements, should bo strictly confined to an adjustment of local conditions. where adjustments are provod to bo necessary.

ENEMY PROPERTY IN BRITAIN.

AN INTERESTING CO3IPARISON. ("Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services.) (Rcccived January 13th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 12. In the Houso of Commons, Mr W. Runciman said it was estimated that British people owned £72,000,000 worth of property in Germany, and that Germans owned £105,000,000»worth in Britain. Air J. Kins (Liberal) asked whether ; Britain's advances to her Allies involved a burden of £50,000,000 for interest ! annually.

A NATIONAL POLICY.

SIR EDWARD CARSON'S VIEWS. "(Received January 13th, 10 p.m.) LONDON, January 13. ] Sir Edward Carson, speaking at the 1 Constitutional Club, said ho wonld welcome a National Policy which would removo sordid party bickerings. We must recognise the loyalty and achievements of the Dominions in the lasting peaco which would ensure that the Empire would bo consolidated into a harmonious and mighty whole.

BIBLES FOR WAR PRISONERS.

BRITISH SOCIETY'S ACTIVITY. (Received January 13th, 10.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 12. The British and Foreign Bible Society has sent 260,000 Bibles, weighing eleven tons, to the prisoners of war in Russia.

SOUTH AFRICA'S BURDEN.

A HEAVY BILL. CAPE TOWN, January 13. South Africa's war exnenaes are £1,000,000 per month.