In the House of Commons on Friday, April 11th, Mr.
Sandys brought forward his Bill imposing on all male subjects of eighteen years of age the obligation of serving for four years within the United Kingdom in the Territorial Force, the terms of service and period of training to be the same as those prescribed in the Territorial Force Act. Mr. Sandys, who put his case well, pointed out that the deficiency in the Territorial Force was a national danger. "I believe," he said, "in organizing the fire brigade before the fire occurs." The Bill was supported by a Liberal, Sir Charles Rose. The opposition was led by Mr. Whitehouse, who declared that the deficiency of sisteen per cent, in the Territorial Force was not alarming. The Labour Party's view was explained by Mr. Roberts, who declared that the agitation for universal military training was meant to pave the way for a change of policy involving us in European complications. Later, and lest the element of the ridiculous should be wanting in the debate, Mr. Keir Hardie described the measure as disguised conscrip- tion, which would never be tolerated by the common people. That is the kind of sapient remark which would be highly amusing if the subject were not so serious. Considering that the common people have, and rightly have, the sovereign power in the nation, if they are determined, as Mr. Keir Hardie thinks, not to tolerate universal training, why of course we shall never have it. "Who's a-denigin' of it, Betsey ?"
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