TREATMENT OF ANTI-MILITARISTS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11472, 26 February 1918, Page 5

TREATMENT OF ANTI-MILITARISTS.

DEPARTMENT’S VINDICATION. (For Press ASKoelatloa-j 'Wellington Feb. 25. In a statement given to the Press the Minister of Defence enters upon a lengthy vindication of the Department’s treatment of anti-militar-ists. He corrects the ' impression general in the public mind that ail obiectors are c‘'conscientious” objectors and points out that the only objector (recognised by law is the “religious objector” whose appeal will be allowed if lie proves that at August 4th., 1014, lie was a member of a religious body whose doctrines declare the bearing of arms and the performances of combatant service contrary to Divine revelation. After explaining and justifying the treatment of objectors sent abroad, the Minister concludes; “The question of .the treatment ; natio of antimilitarists presents a clear cut issue for the people of this country to consider: (a) Whether the laws solemnly and deliberatey en-acted by Parliament are to be obeyed, or (b) Whether defiance of the law is to be permitted and those persons who know no rule but Heir own inclinations are to be practically exempt from military service, while citizens and sous of citizens who recognise and obey the law are to serve and possibly suffer wounds and death in the interests of the nation? The military authorities are responsible for administering the Military Service Act, and what they have done has been legally done. It is not conceivable that the people of this country would approve of a course permitting persons who set the law at defiance to be absolved from the law and to be governed by their own inclinations. If the responsible authority is to knuckle under to insubordination, the whole fabric of the British Empire will crumble into chaos. ”