QUAKERS AND THE FRANCHISE.
(To ras Eerroe OR rue " 8ezersroe."1 bra, I ans neither a Friend nor a Pacificiet, and I empathise with the diners to catch the cowards' who pose as ooneolentious objectors. But as long as the vote is solicited (a significant neces- sity% and too often is given, from motivee of personal interest, we surely cannot afford to deprive the electorate of the share which the Friends take in the government of the' country. You think they are "a very email minority." But a small minority is no negligible quantity when ench qualities as intelligence, uprightness, and benevolent public spirit are considered. The Friends have always been distinguished for these. Remember the times of famine and disaster in other countries when, while most of tie were rubbing out eyes, the Friends With open hands were already In the field ettoeouring the starving peoples. Promptness and nnselfiehnees along with business capacity are an asset to the nation. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." We may smile at Mae dinner-tea at the inn with the Friends, but we must not forget Lavengro's delightful encounter with Joseph John Gurney. It is too long to quote, but he ends: "The hall of many an earl leeks the bounty;. the palace of many a prelate file piety and learning which adorn the quiet Quaker's home."—I ash, Sit, die., S. L. P. [No one will regret more than we shall the exclusion of Quakers tram the vote oaths ground that they are conscientious objectors. Our readers will remember how often we have expressed our admiration for and our sympathy with the Quakers. But no one can " have it both ways." Those who are unwilling to perform the duties of eitizenship cannot reasonably ask for the privileges of eitiosenehip: Many Quakers, to their lasting credit, have recog- nized the impossibility of such a demand and have
joined the Arrhy. But some conscientious objectors lire in a state of Mental confusion Which would be laughable if it were not grotesque and lamentable. We have heard of conscientious chjectors refusing to Work on the land be2ause the products of the land are used for military purposes. But these same' objectors think nothing of using tobacco, although every ounce of tobacco they buy contributes a heavy tax for the war. There is only ono explanation; they do not like digging on the land, but they do like smoking.—En. Spectator.]
Previous page
