NATIONAL SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2580, 30 September 1915, Page 5

NATIONAL SERVICE

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO DRAW MR. ASQUITH DEBATE IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, September 28; In the House of Captain Guest invited Air. Asquilh to make a statement on natioual service, Mr. Asqiiotb said: "The subject is receiving tlio careful and most anxious consideration. The Government will announce its policy at the, earliest moment. In the meantime, I appeal to members of tho House of Commons to abstain from raising tho subject. Wu are at a very critical moment in the history of the war. We are watching with intense sympathy and liopo.tho gallant efforts of tLo Allied forces, 'and there oould not be a greater disservice to Britain and the Allied cause at such a moment, than ■: a suggestion of. a. division of opinion here." / 1 Jjater, Captain Guest reverted to the question. He said lie realised the grave responsibility of disobeying . Mr, • Asquith's request, but this- was a time to do what N was right, .irrespective of pressure 'from whatever source. : Conscription would hearten the Allies, would liave a steadying effect on Bulgaria, and would strengthen' the attitude of Greece. Conscription "could not be urged if the Government could guarantee 20,000 recruits a week, but unless that could be guaranteed the Government ought not to delay the adoption of a system which ;would guarantee recruits.

Mr. Henry Pease (Unionist), the Hon. Joseph Pease (Liberal), and Mr. W. M. Priiiglo • (Liberal) deploTed' the discussion, and appealed for silenoe_ until tlie' Government arrived at its' decision, Mr. Stanley Wilson (Unionist) e: id he did not think voluntaryism could replace the casualties! . A member said that unless there was an accelerated flow of recruits it would be impossible to maiutain. the army at its present strength, _ . Mr. p. Chaplin (Unionist) said he never imagined the dobate would arise after Mr. Asquith's' reply; (Cheers.) It was one of the most regrettable dehates in the history of the House of Commons. If Lord , Kichener had thought cinscriptioii necessary lie would not have hesitated to say, so. (CJlveors.) Geiioral attacks on Mr". Asquitli and tfioao responsible for the conduct of the army were a deplorable thing. Mr. L. C. Amery (Unionist) said lie could not understand the.dread of discussion. • •' • .Sir Stephen Collins (Liberal) protested against criticisms: after Mr.; _Asquith's solemn wordis. Ooniscriptionists - were flouting Jlr. Asquitli.