VOLUNTARY ENLISTMENT V. CONSCRIPTION.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2479, 4 June 1915, Page 6

VOLUNTARY ENLISTMENT V. CONSCRIPTION.

Qo the Editor.) Sir,—'Tis hut yesterday that thero slowly moved away across our waters a long line of grey transports, protected by a grim guard of British warships, and on their decks there stood our sons and brothers —tho sadness of leave-tak-ing—for some an eternal one—even if hidden —still in their hearts. But in spite of sadness, in spite of tho monotony of military discipline, their hearts had been raised above the interests of everyday life ; the spirit of their fathers was strong within them, their youthful imaginations fed by thoughts of deeds of daring, and unknown adventure, spurred by the "fame that tho clear spirit doth rais<j to scorn delights and live laborious days," and, above all, the knowledge that their mission was to hght for tho priceless gifts of justice and hbert.v for humanity, crowned their courage with the power of enduranco. And now our confidence in the youth of our young nation, and their own hin-h hopes havo been realised beyond expectation by dash and gallantry surpassing tlie stories of past achievement that held us, as chiJdrcn, nwo-bouiul. And what most of all helps our women to glory in tho service that their men are yielding to our Empire? The knowledge that it is voluntary service, and that the spirit that sent them forth eager to meet death will sustain them ill their extremest need. And just because of our confidence in our soldiers nod in their possession of that selfi.estraint that marks tho man from tho bnito, on© deeply deplores tho in-cident-s of mob-rule, so cruel and unjust in its operation, and the signs of ignorant and intolerant interference with individual liberty. No personal need for apology dictates these remarks; mv family has already given more than what conscription could demand, and at least one member lies wounded after service in Gallipoli. But it is time that the public should be reminded that while it is free to express its opinions m i general way as to who should be bound io offer his services, men and women have no right whatever to dictate to particular individuals. Surely the figures of enrolment prove that Wiicu the extra need is shown the extra men will como forward. We all know that there are many as brave and fit as those who have already gone, but some- , times older and with greater responsibilities, who clearly are doing rin-ht in , remaining at their ordinary work until that greater need justifies them in leaving it. Such would be married men with small families or none, but the time for theso to offer themselves is' ■ hardly here yet. As for those who attempt by word of mouth or any action to force others into enlistment, thev are guilty of gross impertinence, and often cruel injustice. By their unwarranted and presumptuous, interference' they would rob our voluntary system of its essential characteristics and resultant efficiency. It is for tho individual to look after himself and see he does 1 lii? utmost in .'oino way for the "Em- I pire. If collectively we'fail then it is ; lot- the Government to bring about en- 1 forced conscr.iption. As for woniou who send men white feathers, by their im- ' pertinent intolerance and want of ' womanly dignity and feeling thev show 1 themselves as unworthy of tho vote and 1 high trust reposed in them, as they ( themselves consider theso men wanting '• in manly courage. s Last week, probably incited by tVnor- 1 ant criticism, thero enlisted oiie "man who, under tho appearance of sturdy 1 strength, has tho frailest hold on life. ' Another youth, recovering from a dan- ! gerous illness, was twice rejected by ' tho doctors, and whilo waiting to apply ! a third time was insulted by a mail older than himself, and his word refused. He is now fighting in [.Im Dar«. dandles. It would bo almost pleasant to hear of some man giving nn answer with his fists to undeserved insult. Lot thero bo an end to this system of petty, ill-brod, inquisitorial inlerfer- . ence. For the sake of those, who have J gone, and thoso wlio aro going, i| j s • best than all our soldiers should he ' truly volunteers, and oager for Iho 1 fight. Superiority of numbers is not ! the only consideration, but Ihe quality of the men. The Germans may need ' numbers for their tactics; for ours we < need the men of mottle and resourco ' our nation breeds. ant, olc., ' ' 1. H.