COMPULSION OR NOT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16024, 16 September 1915, Page 8

COMPULSION OR NOT.

LORD HALDANE'S VIEW.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES.

GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING.

MIL. '.ASQ.UITH'S STATEMENT.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE.

London. September 14.

Speaking in the House of Commons, when it assembled for the autumn session. Mr. Asquith said he was not prepared at present to make a statement regarding

national service. In moving the adjournment of the House, Mr. J. Dillon, Nationalist member for East Mayo, referred to a manifesto which many members of both Houses of Parliament nowserving with the colours are signing, urging the Government to adopt national service. Mr. Dillon urged that it was contrary to practice for officers on active service to address a manifesto to the newspapers dealing with matters of political controversy. If it was tolerated he would ask that similar facilities be offered officers and men objecting to conscription. The Government should be trusted to use its discretion, and not be fettered in the matter. Mr. John.Hodge, Labour member for the Gorton division of Lancashire, said he hoped the Government would not give way to the clamour, which was doing a great dis-service to the country.

Sir J. H. Dalziel. Liberal member for Kirkcaldy, said he thought the present situation was due to the lack of information given to the public. Sir F. G. Banbury. Unionist member for the City of London, said it was evident a discussion was absolutely necessary. Captain Guest, on behalf of those in favour of conscription, said he intended to insist on a day being set apart for a discussion. He had things to say which had s been left unsaid too long.

Mr. Asquith deprecated a sporadic ! and desultory debate. Replying to r< suggestion for a secret session, he j said ho had no indication that mem- i l.ers desired this. In reply to Mr. j Dillon, he said he thought it unfair and contrary to the public interest to silence members who were serving gallantly, and who resumed their seats when they had short leave j from the front. Mr. Asquith con- j cluded: " This matter has not es- : caped the Government's attention. (Cheers and laughter.) When the Government, without undue delay, and with the due deliberation which the gravity of the subject demands, has arrived at its conclusions, they will be presented to the House, and ■will then become the subject of Parliamentary discussion."

AWAITING A LEAD.

London, September 14.

Speaking at Dundee, Lord Haldane compared the resources of the allies and the Central Powers in respect of population, wealth, and learning. He said: "If we put them into shape we should make up the advantage which the enemy secured by choosing his own moment for war. Don't let us wash dirtjl linen in public or carp at the admirals, the generals, and the Government. It is a crime to embarrass them by starting new hares." He entirely agreed with the passion which Mr. Lloyd George put into his last speech and the appeal he made to the people to unite themselves and realise the situation.

Referring to compulsory service, ho said that he fought a stiff battle for the reorganisation of the army on a volunteer basis, but if the Government gave its strong opinion that for saving the country the voluntary system was old-fashioned, he would not raise a finger against it; but he wanted the Government, not the newspapers, to say it.

"TOO LITTLE ENERGY."

London, September 14. The Manchester Guardian agrees with Mr. Lloyd George that there has been too little energy and foresight shown in the conduct of the war. Parliament should be told how many men are required each month. An official request should then be made to men whom the national register showed were primarily eligible to present themselves for training, beginning with young unmarried men.

The London Times says: "Upon the decision of the British Parliament during the next few weeks depend the fortunes of war and the future of the civilised world. If the decisions and measures are characterised in Mr. Lloyd George's words by ' resolution and prompt readiness in every sphere/ there is no fear of the result, but if Parliament continues sanctioning a policy o' belated half measures we will soon find ourselves facing the gravest possibilities. The questions of national service and finance need immediate decision." The , Daily Chronicle says : Nobody acquainted with politics will have 0 difficulty cin seeing that quite au >° ca tes of conscription have quite other things in their mind's eve than national war needs.™ fje than national war needs."