15 JANUARY 1916, Page 3

Though the Prime Minister has as yet refrained from pointing

this out, we do sincerely hope that the Press and other leaders of public opinion will make it clear to what a disagreeable adventure the compelled man is exposing himself. When, as in Switzerland, every one is compelled, there is no difficulty in the matter. When compulsion is only applied to a relatively tiny minority, as it is going to be now., it is indeed a formidable engine. That is one of the reasons why we have always stood for universal compulsory service. It is sometimes glorious to be in a minority, but not in a minority of people who have to be compelled by law to do duties which the vast majority of their fellows have shouldered voluntarily.