COMPULSORY SERVICE.
iTo ens EDITOIL or re. •"sraeeseoe."l Sin,—Doee this interest you P Almost all the names of mew fit for service in my district are on the church-door as having gone to the front. I think no district is more bare of young men than this. Unfortunately I have two Englishmen in my service still who have not yet gone. I spoke to the younger man. Here is his answer: "I want to go. I have wanted to go since the war began, but I cannot, because my brother has already been killed at the front, and my old folk, who depend on me, keep writing to me imploring me to stick to my job. They say I have gone three thousand miles to get a good job; that I have got one now; that I should have to chuck it and come back three thousand miles to serve ; whilst all around there are scores of fellows like myself, but on the spot, and without a job, who won't go. Why should I break their hearts and volunteer when these others won't serve P I don't feel they are right, but how am I to answer them P " And then in a buret of passion: " Why doesn't the Government insist on compulsory service. Then we would all go, and those blighters who are trying to shirk would have to serve and we'd all go and be glad." I asked if he thought a measure of compulsory service would be popular. To my surprise he said it would. "No ono would mind going if it were the same for all." This seemed the honest view of as exceptionally intelligent young countryman, splendidly fit and really willing. Perhaps this may convey some hint to you. hope you will hammer the necessity of a close supervision of naturalized aliens into the heads of the many who read your excellent paper even here.—I am, Sir, do., Sontenoe, VA, 13.0., May 20th. AN OLD CRIPPLE.
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