DEFENCE OF OUR COUNTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 69, 23 March 1938, Page 10

DEFENCE OF OUR COUNTRY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Does "Digger" seriously suggest that his quotation from Ruskin is applicable to modern war? If he does, then he must argue that modern war possesses all the virtues and is altogether desirable, while even if peace were obtainable it would be most undesirable and should be ended as soon as possible. In the passage quoted, Ruskin was either being satirical or else he was sadly and obviously mistaken, even in relation to the wars of his own day. Ruskin, great-souled prophet and fierce challenger of the very things that have led to the universal disorder of today, was not infallible. It would be just as easy to quote other passages illustrating the falsity and futility of > war. "An allegory of war and peace". for instance, written some years later than the lectures contained in "The Crown of Wild Olive." He describes a group of children in the most pleasant surroundings with, everything they could wish for. Certain "practical" children, attracted by brass-headed nails in the chairs, begin to pull them out. Soon all peace is gone, replaced by turmoil as the "practical" children - fight one another for possession of as many as possible of the brass-headed _ nails. Waking from his dream, Ruskm declares: "What a false dream that is, of children! . . . Children never do such foolish things. Only men do. I must confess to being one of the "many citizens in our midst who claim that it is improper to bear arms in the defence of our country or for any other reason whatever." And I believe John. Ruskin would also.be of our company if he were here.—l am, etc., A. C. BARRINGTON.;