RECRUITING IN SCOTLAND.

[To rat EDITOR Or TEM " SPRCTATOR."1

SIR,—In view of the articles and letters appearing at this time in the Spectator on the subject of recruiting, I think the enclosed cutting from a Scottish evening paper may be of some interest. I myself have heard many of these reasons given by young men as an excuse for not joining the Army in this national crisis. I think they are very generally repre- sentative. The men of Scotland have done well, especially the married men, but there are still too many able-bodied youths who have not enlisted. It is to be hoped that if the Govern- ment adopt any form of compulsory service, it will fall first on the bachelors of military age.—I am, Sir, &o., M. A. G.

"GLASGOW `SLACKERS.' Mars REASONS FOB NOT ENLISTING.

Mr. Dalrymple, general manager of Glasgow Corporation Tram- ways Department, has secured a census as to the reasons given by young men, without dependants, for declining to join the Army. The method adopted was for a member of the staff to interview one or two of their personal friends regarding their failure to respond to their country's call Hero are some of the typical reasons, the phraseology, as far as possible, being that of the young man spoken to :- Good situation—will go if employer agrees to put elderly man

in my place temporarily. One of family of three—all fit—parents will not allow any of us to go.

Lost two brothers in South African War.

A great many gentlemen's sons have not joined.

I would require more than ls. ld. per day.

I am thirty years of age, and I will not join as long as younger

men stay at home.

Three sons—all fit—mother does not wish us to join.

Not willing to give up good salary for soldier's pay.

Will not join because situation might be filled by young man quite as fit for the Army.

Government don't hold out sufficient inducement.

Mother says time enough to join when 'corner boys' have all

joined.

Don't consider I should give up comfortable conditions of life.

Not going to risk my life as long as there are so many young

men about Kelvinside; would go willingly under conscription.

Serving my apprenticeship, Officers too officious.

Don't care for soldier's rations.

Pay and pensions too small.

Parents don't care for use mixing with the men who usually become soldiers.

Too many middle-class young men still going about.

No desire to be a soldier.

Getting married in a few months.

Offered myself for horse regiment and was refused; am not going to offer again."

[If these answers are analysed, the majority are, in truth, pleas for Universal Service and compulsion. They are asser- tions that in fairness and equality all should go. Compulsion if, or rather when, it comes, will come from an imperative demand by the men of military age who now see that the voluntary system means in effect flogging the willing horses.—ED. Spectator.]