MR RUSSELL'S LETTER.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLI, Issue 41, 4 December 1914, Page 2

MR RUSSELL'S LETTER.

BEAD BY MR SULLIVAN. AN INTERESTING DOCUMENT. "THE THINGS THAT ARE CAESAR'S." (Christchurch Sun.) The promise that Mr D. G. Sullivan would read the now famous letter written by Mr G. W. Russell regarding his i attitude on the Defence Aet was fulfilled on Monday evening, when Mr Sullivan addressed a meeting at the corner of Rolleston Street and Linwood Avenue, Christchurch. At the conclusion of his address Mr Sullivan was asked what his attitude was in regard to the Defence Act. Mr Sullivan replied that there had been a lot of discussion about the Defence Act since Mr Russell had warn-, ed the No-license voters not to support a man who would repeal the Act. He (the speaker) wished to say that the men and women of the Social Democratic Party were as loyal as any citizens of the Dominion, and would not hesitate to lay down their lives or make any sacrifice in defence of their country. The insinuation made by Mr Russell was grossly unfair, and the Social Democratic Party, while opposed to the compulsory element, would not do anything so foolish as to tamper with the Defence Act while the country was at war. The plank regarding defence was designed some 18 months ago, and had not been revised. Later on, when the war was over, the party would substitute its proposal, which, he believed, would be more effective than the present system. Mr Sullivan's reference to Mr Russell caused an uneasy movement among some of his audience, who were obviously anxious about what was to follow. "Why don't you tackle the rank Conservatives, and leave Mr Russell alone!" shouted one. Mr Sullivan retorted that he was answering a question.

"He didn't ask you about Mr Bussell!" the voice complained.

"He's a bit of a twister!" shouted another sympathiser.

Mr Sullivan had a brief debate with one of his opponents who was too persistent, and finally silenced him with the remark: "The crowd have come here to listen to my intelligence, not to your nonsense." " What has Russell done to raise your wages?" asked one of Mr Sullivan's friends of the interrupter. "I don't care what you say about Mr Russell," replied the other, sulkily-

"You are afraid to listen to me," said the candidate.

"Please be quiet!" said the chairman, addressing the obstreperous one. "You mind your own business!" was the polite response. Peace having been restored, Mr Sullivan resumed. He said that he had a letter in his possession, written by Mr Russell to one of his constituents. In that letter Mr Russell said that he was opposed to compulsory military training. Yet in his manifesto he had claimed credit for himself and the Liberal Party for putting the Defence Act on the Statute Book. He (Mr Sullivan) had made no reference to Mr Russell's attitude, though he had the letter in his possession, until Mr Russell had grossly and bitterly attacked him in reference to defence. Some people were anxious to keep him silent in connection with this question when they saw how Mr Russell had put his foot in it. But he would not be silenced by Mr G. W. Russell, or a dozen men like him. Mr Russell had voted against his convictions in support of the Defence Act.

A Voice: So have you. Mr Sullivan: I notice that last night Mr Russell made reference to the fact that at one of the Trades Council conferences I voted in favor of compulsory military training. Judging by the glee Mr Eussell displayed, he was under the impression that he had made a find, and that he was revealing something to the public for the first time. Though some five 01 six years ago, at a Trades Council conference, I supported compulsory military training, later on I had reason to change my opinion, and I publicly announced that change. Take my speeches in connection with the last election, when I stood for Riccarton. In the 'Lyttelton Times' of October 26, 1911, 1 am reported as follows:—"Mr Sullivan said that the Defence Act should be wiped off the Statute Book. Some years ago he had supported compulsory military training, but when he recognised that it meant the imprisonment and disfranchisement of thousands of young men he realised that it was not a democratic proposition." Mr Sullivan said that that killed Mr Russell's bogey. Five or six years ago he (the speaker) had voted in accordance with his convictions. His charge against Mr Russell was that for the sake if winning popularity and support he voted against his convictions. He had the letter and would read it to them if they wanted it. "Read it all," demanded the voice.

'' I will read the lot and then Mr Bus-1 sell will be satisfied," '.responded Mr Sullivan. 'lt is dated from the Parliamentary Library." "In pencil," sneered the voice. "In ink!" said Mr Sullivan promptly.. Mr Sullivan read the letter the audience listening with profound attention. ] It was as follows: ! Wellington, October 6, 1911. Dear} Sir, —1 am very very much obliged to you for your long and interesting letter j dealing with your position regarding compulsory training. I am informed you belong to the "We Won't," and • were employed at Addington Workshops. I notice you take the ground of religious'conviction for that matter, but 1 don't fee'i called upon to argue that phrase. You remember, of course, what Jesus said:—"Render unto Caesar ■ the things that are Caesar's," and that 1 covers a wide ground. My objection to i : compulsory military training has been ' that i't is both unnecessary and impracticable. I was never in favor of it, but | when the fever was on in Parliament j and the country, it was useless to try to stop it. Last year I tried to keep it . down to 21 years, but was beaten, those for me bping 22, and against 29. It is ■ very difficult, if the country is commit- , ted to a big thing like this, to upset it. I j will try still to keep the age to 21 by ' affirming the principle in some way. tf you will look at Hansard No. 12, jfage ; I 335, you will see the ques'tion and an-' j swer 19a, upon which I spoke, as report- ' ' ed in Hansard No. 13, page 341. You ' will teo Premiej replied to me, tt

'the bottom of the column, page 353 of Hansard 13. I shall be glad to have a chat with you over the matter when at home. In the meantime, I remain, yours sincerely, G. W. EUSSELL. "Why do you keep on carrying that letter about with you for?" demanded a grieved voice. Mr Sullivan remarked that it was unfortunate for Mr Russell that he had it. He contended that a man who would do what Mr Russell had done was not to be trusted to represent any constituency. ~ The Interrupter: You are both in the same box, anyway. Another: You have the letter, but you won't get in. Still another: Why do you keep going from one constituency to another? Mr Sullivan: What did Mr Russell do?—(Laughter.) "Leave Mr Russell out!" pleaded the same interrupter, who had apparently forgotten Mr Russell's peregrinations. "You came here to catch the No-li-cense vote. Why don't you go to Riccarton?" asked a Liberal. "Why didn't Mr Russell stick to Riccarton?" retorted Mr Sullivan. "He got 679 votes there the last time he 1 stood, and 1 got over 1000 when I contested that seat. I was invited to contest Avon and accepted. Somebody made an atrocious pun on "Avon" and "Heaven,' 'and narrowly escaped lynching. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks and confidence, Mr Russell's three or four supporters putting in a ' vigorous "iSIo!"