CIVILIANS AND INVASION.
[To 11717 EDITOR OF 1111 "SPEOTLTOR."]
Sin,—Sounds are audible, not too load as yet, of a newspaper clamour for definite instructions from the Government as to what civilians should do in the event of an alien invasion; in brief, to shoot or not to shoot. If the clamour became popular, a Government that yielded to it would bring dis- astrous consequences on the nation, and its continuance must be earnestly deprecated. Supposing the Germans ever did invade these shores—quod Di Arius omen in ipsos convertant—we should be impaled on either born of this dilemma : (1) If we are told not to resist, there will be some one, maddened by loss of property or relatives, who will disobey. The Germans will promptly say : " There is no discipline in this country. The central authority is unable to make its own printed Proclama- tion respected. We will repair their deficiencies and begin by shooting the nearest hundred men as an example." (2) If resistance is enjoined, their cue will be even plainer. " Here's a nation of barbarians ; here's defiance of all Hague Conven- tions. We know what to expect. Forewarned is forearmed. We shall reply by burning and massacring at sight." And what a case they could blow out for presentation to the world!
am, Sir, &c., G. E. CasuFonn, M.A. Manor House, Clifton, Bristol.
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