Captain Kincaid-Smith, the Member for the Stratford-on- Avon Division of
Warwickshire, has resigned his seat in Parlia- ment, and is seeking re-election. His object in doing so is essentially patriotic, and we sincerely trust will bear good fruit. Captain Kincaid-Smith is a strong. supporter of the policy of the National Service League, and last year intro- duced a Bill for universal and compulsory training. He holds that the moment is one when the opinion of a typical English country constituency should be taken on the subject. We have not held any communication with any persons con- nected with the constituency, but it seems to us that the proper course would be to adopt the following compromise. The Unionist candidate should not stand at the by-election, but Captain Kincaid-Smith should undertake not to contest the seat at the General Election. That being done, the electors of the Stratford-on-Avon division would be able, on the present occasion, to vote on the plain issue of national service and universal training,—unless, of comic:, the Liberal candidate, who, it is understood, is to be chosen to oppose Captain Kincaid-Smith, also pledges himself to national service. That would be a greater triumph for the cause of national service than even a successful contest by Captain Kincaid-Smith.
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