18 MARCH 1916, Page 2

Lord Kitchener followed Lord Derby in an excellent speech, and

ono which we think shOuld have preceded and not followed - Lord Ikerby's, as it sheated how futile is the plea of pledge- breaiing. Hero is the essential portion of Lord Kitchener's speech :—

`."Mer.ried men who have attested should realize that even if we had -obtained all the single men that it was anticipated we should have seemed from the .group system and thO Military Service Act, wo should still require a large number of married men within the next few weeks. Men have to be trained, but the mere fact that a man comes up on a dertain date does not mean that he is at once available. -It requires many weeks to make him efficient to take the 'field. I therefore earnestly appeal to the married men who have attested te -place their patriotism and the national cause before any personal ; considerations and to come forward without hesitation and join the ranks. The position is an anxious one owing to the disappointing numbers joining liar general service. We are taking every step we possibly can to sedum the single men, and we shall not rest in our endeavours Until we have secured all those single men who cannot rightly be said to be indispensable in the national interest is their employment."