THE COMING CHANGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14219, 16 November 1909, Page 4

THE COMING CHANGE.

It is singularly significent that at the same 'time that Australia and New Zealand have decided upon compulsory military training the German Emperor should be found expressing the opinion that military service should be made compulsory in Great Britain, and that the Commandant of Militia in Natal should be urging the adoption of universal compulsory military ' training in that colony. Changes in long-established do not commonly, come about in the twinkling of an eye. . They are invariably slow and gradual, but •when once the spirit of innovation gets hold of a people it is astonishing how rapidly : it spreads. Cobdenism was long regarded in England as an immutable law. It was looked upon as the last word in the science of political economy. But to-day Cobdenism is in the -meltingpot. It is a discarded and discredited doctrine and is doomed to give place before long to a saner . and sounder fiscal system, and one more in harmony with the .new conditions of the times. And so it is with the attitude of public opinion towards the vital, question of national defence. The voluntary system is following in the wake of Cobdenism. Men now everywhere arc recognising that it is no longer enough to talk merely of patriotic duty, but that it must be performed, and that in the highest interests of the State no one physically fit should be permitted to shirk his duty to his country. The colonies are giving the lead to the Mother Country in this matter, and we believe that their action is bound to quicken enormously the movement now on foot for the adoption of compulsory military training. It is almost certain also that the example of Australia and New Zealand will be followed in other colonies. Apart from external considerations, there are cogent reasons in their native difficulties why such a movement should be strenuously supported in the South African dominions, while Canada, which is now engaged i building up a local navy, may be expected to realise before long. the. necessity for creating a territorial force v The time indeed seems to be approaching , when compulsory . military training , will be the rule throughout the whole of the British Empire. . - !