The debate on compulsory service in the Commons on Wednesday
night was remarkable for the speeches in its sup- port made by Liberal Members. Captain Guest, who raised the question, declared that if we were to win in the present war, and to win quickly, compulsory service was the only way. Mr. Wedgwood, like Captain Guest fresh from active service in the field, vigorously supported the demand, and claimed to represent the views of all the fighting spirit of the Labour movement. What the country wanted more than money, shells, or men was a leader who could lead without fearing the consequences. Mr. Amery emphasized the dangers of our. " dogged irresolution." Mr. Tennant, replying for the Government, demurred to the statement of Mr. J. H. Thomas that we were getting all the men we wanted as exaggerated. As we put larger numbers into the field we should require larger reinforcements. While repudiating the suggestion that we were not making the sacrifices necessary, he would not, and could not, 'close the door to a compulsory polity, nor did he wish to say anything which would in any way embarrass any member of the Government in taking such action as was deemed necessary to bring about the successful conclusion of the war.
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