MR RUSSELL'S LETTER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 253, 28 November 1914, Page 12

MR RUSSELL'S LETTER.

RgAD BY MR SULLIVAN.

AN INTERESTING DOCUMENT. "TH.K THINGS THAT ABE CiKSAR><S. ?; ;-. '■'- The promise that Mr D.' G. Sullivan ~ would read the now famous letter written by Mr G. W, Russell, regarding his attitude on the Defence Act was fulfilled last evening, when Mr Sullivan addressed a meeting at the corner of Rolleston Street and Linwood Avenue. At the- conclusion of his address Mr ■'■SulUvan was asked what his attitude •Was in regard'to the Defence Act. Mr Sullivan replied that there had been a lot of discussion about the Defence Act since Mr Russell had warned the No-license voters not. to support a man who would repeal the Act. He (the speaker) wished to say that the men and women of the S.D.P. were as; lovat as any citizens of the Dominion, and would not hesitate to lay down their lives or make any sacrifice in defence of their country. The insinuation made by Mr Russell'was grossly unfair,, and the S.D.P., while opposed to the compulsory element, would not do anything bo foolish as to tamper, with the Defence Act while the couutry was at war. The plank regarding defence was designed some eighteen months ago, and had not been revised. Later on, when the war was over, the party would substitute its proposal, which, he believed, would be more effective than the present system. Mr Sullivan's references to Mr Russell caused an uneasy movement among - some of his audience, who were obviously anxious nbout what was to follow, "Why don't, you tackle the rank Conservatives, and leave Mr Russell alone! " shouted one. Mr Sullivan retorted that he was answering a question. "He didn't ask you about Mr Russell?" the voice complained. V "He's a bit of a twister!" shouted another sympathiser. "Russell's a twister" came the retort from the other side. " Mr Sullivan had a brief debate with one of his opponents who was too persistent, and finally silenced him with the remark: "The crowd have come here to listen to my intelligence, not to your nonsense." "What has Russell done to raise your wages'" asked one of Mr Sullivan's friends of the interrupter. "1 don't cnre what you say about Mr Russell," replied the other, siilk- * iiy- "¥('*' are afraid to listen to me," said the candidate. ."I'lease be quiet!" said the chairman, addressing the obstreperous one. < "You mind your own business!" was the polite'response. . Peace haviug been restored, Mr Sullivan resumed. He said that he had a letter in his possession, written by Mr Russell to one "of his constituents, in that letter Mr Russell said that he was apposed to compulsory military training. Yet in his manifesto he hail chiimi'd credit for himself and the Liberal Party tor putting the Defence Act on the Statute Book. He (Mr Sullivan) had made no reference to Mr Russell's attitude, though he had the letter in his possession, until Mr Russell had grossly and bitterly attacked him in reference to defence. Sonic people were anxious to keep him silent in connection with this question when they saw how Mr Russell had put his foot in it. But lie would not be silenced by Mr. (!. \Y. Russell, or a dozen men like him. Mr Russell had voted against his convictions in support of the Defence Ad. A Yoke: So have you. Mv Sullivan: I notice that last night Mr Russell made reference to the fact that at one of the Trades Council conference:-, 1 voted in favour of compulsory mi lii.! ry training. .Judging by the '''glee Mi- Russell displayed, lie was un.U.'r ihe impression that he had made a Jind, and that he was revealing some-

thing to the public for the first time. Though some live or six years ago, at a, Trades Council conference, I supported compulsory military training, later on I had reason to change my opinion, and I publicly announced that change. Take my speeches in connection with the last' election, when I stood for Riccarton. In the "Lyttelton Times" of October 26, 1911, 1 am reported as follows:—"Mr Sullivan said that the Defence Act should be wiped off the Statute Book. Some years ago he had supported compulsory military training, but when he recognised that it meant the imprisonment and disfranchisement of thousands' of young men he realised that it was not a democratic proposition." Mr Sullivan said that that killed Mr Russell's bogey.. Five or six years ago lie (the speaker) had voted in accordance with his convictions. His charge against Mr Russell was that for the sake of winning popularity and support he voted against his convictions. He had the letter and would read it to them if they wanted it. "Read it" all," demanded the voice. < ' I will read the lot and then Mr Russell will be satisfied," responded Mr Sullivan. "It is dated from the Parliamentary Library." "In pencil! " sneered the voice. "In ink!" said Mr Sullivan promptly. Mr Sullivan rend the letter the audience listening with profound attention. It was as follows: —

Wellington, October 6, 1911. Dear g' irj —J aiu very very., much obliged -to you for your long and interesting letter dealing with your position regarding compulsory training. lam informed you belong to the "We Wou't,"and were employed at Addington Workshops. I notice you take the ground of religious conviction for that matter, but I don't feel called upon to argue that phrase. You remember, of course, what .Jesus said: —"Render unto Cfosar the things that are Oresar's," and that covers a wide ground. My objection to compulsory military training has been that it is both unnecessary aud impracticable. T was never in favour of it, but when the fever was on in Parliament ami the country, it was useless to try to stop it. Last year I tried to keep'it down to 21 years, but - was beaten, those for me being 22, and against 29. It is very difficult, if-the - country is committed to a big thing like this, to upset it. I will try still to keep the age to 21 by affirming the principle in some way. If you will look at Hansard No. 12,* page -'u!s, you will see the question ami answer 19a, upon which I spoke, as reported in Hansard No. 13, page 341. You will see the Premier replied to me, at the bottom of the column, page 353 of Hansard 13. I shall be glad to have a chat with you over the matter when at home. In the meantime, 1 remain, yours sincerely, G. W. RUSSELL. "Why do you keep on carrying that letter about with you for?" demanded a grieved voice. Mr SiUlivau remarked that it was unfortunate for Mr Russell that he had it. He contended that a man who would do what Mr Russell had done was not to bo trusted to represent any constituency. The Interrupter: You are both in the same box,-anyway. Another: You have the letter, but you won 't get in. Still another: Why do you keep going from one constituency to another? Mr Sullivan: What did Mr Russell do?—(Laughter.) "Leave Mr Russell out! " pleaded the same interrupter, who had apparently forgotten Mr Russell's peregrinations. "You came here to catch the No-li-cense vote. Why don't you go to Ricc.arton?'' asked a Liberal. "Why didn't Mr Russell stick to .Ricea-i'ton?" retorted Mr Sullivan. "He got 679 votes there the last time he stood, and I-got over 1000 when I contested that seat. I was invited to contest Avon ami accepted. Somebody made iin atrocious pun on "Avon" and "Heaven," aud narrowly escaped lynching. The meeting dosed with a vote of thanks and confidence, Mr Russell's three or four supporters putting in a vigorous '' No!