PACIFIST IN COURT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3053, 14 April 1917, Page 11

PACIFIST IN COURT

A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN. In the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. L. G. R'eid, S.M., Jolm William Rogers, who proclaimed himself to be a "citizen of Heaven," was charged with failing to make application to be enrolled in the Reserve as rehired by tho Military Service When asked to plead, defendant said: "My religious convictions forbid me having anything to do with war!" Constable Simpson, of Eastbourne, in giving evidence,, said lie spoke to the accused and asked him if he had enrolled in the Reserve. The reply was that he had not, and did not intend to. The Magistrate, addressing the defendant, safd: "If •your objection on conscientious grounds is satisfactory, you should submit your pica to the Military Service Board." Defendant; "I have consecrated my life to the King of Kings." He then attempted to harangue the Bench on the "Teachings of the Master," and the work of the Gentiles, but was stopped. Defendant: Well I must defend myself. The Magistrate: We cannot go.into your conscientious objections. Inspector Marsack: This man claims the ordinary protection accorded to a citizen of .the Dominion. Defendant:! do not claim any citizenship on earth. My citizenship, is m Heaven. The Magistrate: Where would we be to-day if we all thought as you do f Defendant: We would be a great deal bettor oft than we are. We must trust in the Master. The Magistrate: The Germans would not listen to that. Defendant: There are as good people in Germany as anywhere else. The Magistrate: You would be well advised to consult your friends on tins matter. You had better enrol first and make your objection afterwards. Defendant (hugging tho Bible): I only consult this book. Tho Magistrate, to give tho defendant a chance, convicted and ordered him to com© up when called on.