MEN FOR THE FRONT

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 126, 29 May 1915, Page 9

MEN FOR THE FRONT

to tiib rnrroK. Sir, — The suggestion of jour correspondent that all single men employed in any capacity should produce, where requested by their employers or the military authorities, the certificate that they art> medically unfit, is a most excellent one. One cannot help remarking the number of younsr men in all classes of life who can be seen in the streets apparently not engaged in any particular occupat'on, and who should, if medically fit, join the ranks. Many, I am informed, -will not do so unless ther receive commissions. All cannot be officera^ look at the number of well-born and titled men in England who have obeyed the call of duty and joined the ranks. Why is it that the height of & man, otherwise fit, should prevent his being accepted as a fighter. If the war takes as long as many who have the beet means of judging think it will, the height will have to be reduced. Surely a man well proportioned, but whose height is only sft, 5» likely to be as good a fighter as the on© who is 6ft and not so well proportioned. There are numbers of young fellows who, if the height was reduced, would willingly join the ranks, and as they have pluck would make most excellent soldiers; the spirit is better than a tape measure. There are also a^ number of young (under 35 years) married well-to-do men who should volunteer. Why should the single and poorer only go, and the others Bit tight? Are they heroes in the opinion of their wives? Surely not, if they don't go voluntarily Many have no family, and are therefore freer to go. The larger number to go promptly _ will, no doubt, tend to leesen the duration of the war. There is a great ory against conscription, but why? If men won't volunteer, then they must be compelled. Surely it is fairer that all who are fit should serve under compulsion, than allow the "willing horse to do all the work," and shirkers get off. — I am, etc., • IN FAVOUR OF COMPULSION 25th May, 1915.