It is suggested—without warrant, we believe—that the Military Tribunals may
be dispensed with, and that some new machinery will be created for considering exemptions. Much fault could be found with the Tribunals at the beginning of their career, but we believe it to be true that they have steadily improved in their work and in a recognition of their great responsibility, and that they have come to be regarded as an instrument of justice. Moreover, in our opinion, they have performed the valuable function of relating persons of patriotism and standing in every district to the great work of the nation. All these points are to the good, and it will be difficult to replace the Tribunals. The most important fact to insist upon, however, is that if any new and more speedy apparatus is invented, there should be the possibility of an appeal for every one. The man with the genuine grievance ought to be protected just as much as the shirker and coward ought to be publicly exposed. To place men absolutely at the mercy of some bureaucratic Department without the opportunity of redress for wrong done is not to be thought of.
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