The success of Lord Derby'is scheme largely depends upon the
married men of military age understanding the situation clearly. Mr. Asquith is a master of clear state- ment, and it would be easy for him to put the matter beyond doubt. Ma Asquith was compelled by other business to leave the House, and Mr. Boner Law explained later that there was no intention on the part of the Government to adopt compul- sion merely because every recruitable unmarried man had not enlisted voluntarily. If, however, there were a "general shirking," the unmarried men would be compelled to go before the married men who had families. We still want a definition. What is "general shirking "P We have no shadow'of doubt that the Government will remain, as Lord Derby has said in answer to an alarmed correspondent, loyal in the fullest possible sense to Mr. Asquith's pledge It holds good, and the Government will not go, back upon it. But the anxiety of married men who have already enlisted is genuine. The effect upon those who were about to enlist may be worse. The position sheald be made perfectly clear in justice to Lord Derby, and, above all, to the great army of possible recruits. We have no doubt, however, that this will be done before these words appear in print.
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