ANTI-MILITARISTS

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXV, Issue 5609, 27 February 1918, Page 2

ANTI-MILITARISTS

THE LAW AND ITS OBSERVANCE In a statement given to the Press, the Minister for Defence corrects an impression general in the public mind that all objectors are “ cnnsciintious” objectorp, and points out that the only objector recognised by the law is the “ religious objector,” whose appeal will be allowed if he proves that on August 4, 1914, he was a member of a religious body whose doctrines declare tho bearing of arms and performance of combatant service contrary to Divine revelation. “ The question of the treatment of anti-militarists presents a clear cut issue for tho people of this country to consider: (a) Whether laws solemnly and deliberately enacted by Parliament are to be obeyed; (b) whether defirnce of the law is to be permitted, and thoso persons who know no rule but their own inclinations are to be practically exempt from military service, while citizens and sons of citizens who recoguise and obey the law are to serve and possibly suffer wounds and death in tho interests of ths nation. It is not conceivable that the people of this country would approve oi any course permitting persons who set the law at defiance to be absolved from the law and be governed by their own inclinations.