NATIONAL SERVICE AND CONSCIENTIOUS OBJEdTORS.
[To T1111 ZDITOrt OP TIM .SPROTATOlt:1 Sp,—With reference to your very interesting article, "A Nev Way of Life" (Spectator, April 10th), will you be good enough to tell me how you would deal with people who have con- scientious objections to bearing arms, if universal training and national service were instituted P I have in my mind the , treatment of the Doukhobors by Ruseia, as described in the " Bibliothbque Universelle."—I am, Sir, &c.,
ROBERT H. ARSTRITTRICR,
Captain, Royal Navy. H.M.S. 'Caesar,' Desonparf.
[An objection to bearing arms, if conscientione, and not made merely to avoid service to the nation, should no doubt be respected. We would allow any lad who so desired to go before pa Magistrate and make a statutory declaration that be had a conscientious objection to being trained to the use of arms for the defence of his country from invasion.—No other form of defence is contemplated.—The Magistrate would then grant a certificate relieving the conscientious objector from military service. Such persons should, however, as do exempted persons in Switzerland, pay a special ter. They might, in addition, be registered for use in hospitals and for other non-combatant duties—e.g., to supply the places of postmen, &c.—during war.—En. Spectator.]
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