CONSCRIPTION AGITATION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIX, Issue 285, 2 December 1915, Page 5

CONSCRIPTION AGITATION.

FROM* THE LABOR VIEW-POINT,

A DANGER TO EMPIRE UNITY

(Received Dec. 1, 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 30. Mr Thomas, M.P., commenting on the Memorial Hall disturbance, said that the unity of the nation was essential. Political factions, religious differences, and social distinctions had been swept away in the determination to present a united front. The sole danger to unity was the introduction of conscription, which would undoubtedly lead to friction. "I am afraid there will be a serious revolt. The response of the colonies has stirred the blood of British . workers, particularly the sacrifices of ' the Australasians on Gallipoli. We are not fighting German militarism in order to set up another form thereof in our midst. • There will be many social and industrial problems after the war. That will be the testing time for Labor, but I hope that our strength will exert such an 'influence on the policy of the Government as to prevent a violent reaction paralysIme industry. Labor's utmost efforts [will be thus directed."'