ANTI-MILITARISM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11207, 13 October 1914, Page 5

ANTI-MILITARISM.

TO TITE EDITOR. | Sir, —I do not write as an anti-mili-; tarist, but as a lover of " fair play," j and I wish to enter a mild protest against the uncalled for cartoon in Saturday night's " Star" with reference to the death of anti-militarists, etc. I do not think that there is any desire on the part of anyono for war except those wliose interests are best served by one naion coming into conflict with jmother nation or nations. J think those who have advocated that the different nations should settle their differences in some other and less brutal method arc to be commended for their courage and pluck in coming out and expressing their convictions against enormous opposition, and another reason why I protest is because I know of several young men who are strong believers in anti-militarism, but have volunteered their services for the front, but are still consistent anti-militarists. It might as well be contended tlnit socialism is dead because tho socialists nro not allowed to speak in tho Square. This is a time when party feeling should not be aroused. Let us work together and see the thing through. Do our best to change the system and there will be no need for war. Thanking you.' —I am, etc., FAIR FLAY. Peterborough Street, October 12. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,- —Your sketch on Saturday evening was, I suppose, intended to be either funny or an insult to the opponents of child conscription in New Zealand. Whichever it was it was the silliest and most senseless caricature ever published. It had not even tho merit of being original, but was the poorest piece of plagiarism any respectable journal could be guilty of. Referring to the "Maoriland Worker" of August 26 last we see at otice its source and its origin, but what shall we call such a paltry piece of work? The best. we can say of it is. " How are the mighty fallen 1" if this is all the Press can produce to serve its country. Throughout the miserable business of persecuting boys in New Zealand the Press displayed the same "noble patriotism'' it is showing now; engaging the enemy from the office paste pot, not drilling itself, and hurling abuse at defenceless lads. s Tis a manly sentiment, but all that ever has or ever will result from such nob'lity of origin. I have carefully watched the "the going forth" of any of these noble editors or statesmen who _ shrieked " shirker and coward" at little boys to the seat of war, but not one has displayed the courage of his opinions. Evidently these gentry don't intend their names to figure on the colossal monument their pet militarism will erect to the millions of poor souls it is slaughtering. That, perhaps, is well, for posterity will need no trophies of "their valour." It is nlreadv written in rivers of blood. Their barbarous doctrines aro deluging Europe.—l am, 6-tC E. TOWNSEND. j Christ church, October . 12.