4 JANUARY 1913, Page 21

[To IRE EDITOR OF THE ..srEcreros."1

Sra,—Will you allow me to support your appeal for a round table conference on National Training by a reference to my own experience in Kent, where I have been working for over a year as Organizing Secretary for the National Service League? I am quite convinced that the working men are not opposed to the idea, but that they bitterly resent the injustice of the present system whereby the burden of defence is not placed evenly on all shoulders. Also I find that I am receiving an increasing amount of support from Liberals. Frequently the chair is taken by a Liberal or a vote of thanks is proposed by one, and it is a not uncommon experience to hear the Chair- man say at the beginning of a meeting that he has come with an open mind and at the end to receive his name as a subscrib- ing member. I have spoken at Liberal working men's clubs and received support from some of their keenest members. As far as one can judge from the applause and the discussion, it would seem that about a third of those present at such a meeting are in favour of the principles of this League, and that the opposition is chiefly based on the belief that prolonged military service on the Continental system is what we are really aiming at. Lastly, I should like to record that the support given by Territorial officers and men is nearly unanimous. If a ballot could be taken among them it would be found that only a very small minority are opposed to the principle of Universal Training.-1 am, Sir, &c.,

E. R. KENYON, 76 Claverton Street, London, S. W. Col. R.E. (retired).