“COMBING OUT” IN RUSSIA.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7912, 28 July 1917, Page 3 (Supplement)

“COMBING OUT” IN RUSSIA.

It has been suggested, in Russia as in England, that Government departments shculd be “combed out” with a view to sending eligibles to the trenches. In Russia, however, this is hardly necessary. Out of her population of 180,000,000 she has already, on good authority, called 13,000,000 to the colours, and could, if necessary, furnish a further contribution, of the same number without touching the Civil Service. Among those regarded as immune from conscription are only sons, men who have been three tinTes wounded, priests and theological students and schoolmasters. The Finns are also exempt. The famous Cossacks of the Don and elsewhere stand in a curious relation to compulsory service. They are not simply taken like ordinary Russians, but they Voluntarily offer themselves for service on condition that they pay no taxes. Each Cossack brings two horses of liis own to the regiment. When these have been killed under him, the Government supplies as many meye as he may require during the campaign.