COMPULSORY SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 26

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS. LONDON, September 28. In the House of Commons Captain Guest invited Mr Asquith to make a statement of national service. Mr Asquith said: “ The subject is receiving the careful and most anxious consideration. The Government will announce its policy at the earliest possible moment. Meantime I appeal to members of the House of Commons to abstain from raising the subject. We are in a very critical moment in the history of the war. We are watching with intense sympathy and hope the gallant efforts of our allied forces. We could not do a greater disservice to Britain and the allied cause at such a moment than the suggestion of a division of opinion here.” Later Captain Guest reverted to the subject. He said he realised the grave responsibility of disobeying Mr Asquith’s request, but this was the time to do what was right, irrespective of pressure from whatever source. Conscription would hearten our allies, have a steadying effect on Bulgaria, and strengthen the attitude of Greece. Conscription could not be urged if the Government could guarantee 20,000 recruits weekly. Unless that could be guaranteed the Government ought not to delay the the adoption of a system which would guarantee recruits. Sir C. Henry, Mr Joseph Pease, and Mr Pringle deplored the discussion, and appealed for silence until the Government had arrived at a decision. Mr Stanley Wilson said he did not think voluntaryism could replace the casualties. Lieutenant-colonel Sir A. Griffith-Bos-cawen said that unless there was an accelerated flow of recruits, it would b© impossible to maintain our army at its present strength. Mr H. Chaplin said he never imagined a debate would arise after Mr Asquith’s reply.—(Cheers.) It was one of the most regrettable debates in the House of Commons’ history. If Lord Kitchener thought conscription necessary, he would not hesitate to say so. —(Cheers.) General attacks on Mr Asquith and those responsible for the conduct of the army were a deplorable thing. Mr Amery said he could not understand the dread of discussion. Mr Stephen Collins protested against criticisms after Mr Asquith’s solemn words. The conscriptionists were flouting Mr Asquith. Mr Asquith's grave appeal showed the House of Commons that the Government realised the critical nature of the present operations. APPEAL TO WORKERS. LONDON, September 28. Lord Kitchener and Mr Asquith addressed a joint Labour Board upon the military situation. The necessity of such appeals was proved when Mr Lloyd George in the House of Commons announced that 7000 men engaged in warship construction at Thorneycroft’s, Southampton, were striking as a protest against the employment of non-union men released from the colours with the union’s authority. He added that proceedings had been commenced against the men. THE AMERICAN LOAN. NEW YORK, September 29. Official : The Anglo-French loan has been fixed at £100,000,000, bearing 5 per cent, interest. A syndicate, headed by Mr J. R. Morgan, bas taken up the Anglo-French loan at £96, and has offered it to the public at £9B. UNDER CABINET CONSIDERATION. LONDON, September 29. The Daily Chronicle says the Cabinet is considering Lord Kitchener’s estimate for a largely increased army for 1916, Mr Balfour’s memorandum on sea power, a distinguished economist’s report on the

Empire’s economic resources, an expert report on Britain’s financial trading position. The Cabinet will also shortly receive Lord Lausdowne’s committee’s report in connection with the national register. THE SANT ANNA. LONDON, September 28. The commander of the Sant Anna (a French liner which narrowly escaped destruction by fire on the voyage from America to France) says the explosions were due to asphyxiating gas bombs. Forty passengers were overcome by the fumes, but recovered. When the first fire was nearly extinguished a second explosion occurred. The heat was so intense that several plates of_ the liner melted. The captain has 18 pieces of fuse which were found in the water. GENERAL NEWS. LONDON, September 28. Mr H, S. Tennant, in reply to a question whether soldiers who had been long in the trenches could be given leave, aroused loud cheers by replying: “ Soldiers at the front do not wish to be baulked of the glorious opportunity for which they have waited so long.” Belgian peasants are paying attention to the many graves of the British dead and are bestowing great care on them. They are covered with beautiful flowers, which are often renewed. The Colonial Secretary (Mr Bonar Law), as a result of the dominions Governments’ promises to co-operate in settling soldiers on the land, has appointed Sir Rider Haggard as chairman of a small commission to visit the dominions and draw up a scheme. SYDNEY, September 29. A Royal Commission to inquire into the administration of patriotic funds has been asked for. There has been a considerable improvement in recruiting in the past few days. A committee of employers has been formed to assist the Government in finding work for returned soldiers. Two Germans were fined £4OO each, and a third £2OO, for attempting to trade with the eneniy by shipping in September last sausage casings to Hamburg. MELBOURNE, September 29. As the result of the Government’s decision to curtail racing during the war. Private John Wren has agreed to cut down his unregistered fixtures by 25 percent. WASHINGTON, September 29. Great Britain has guaranteed M. Dumba safe conduct to Austria.