[To . THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.'] who know Bait and
South' Lcmdon an the poorer parts of other English cities must rejoice at the. prospect of tliayoung men of the classes who inhabit them being released, if only for a year, from their home environment, and' being offered at the public expense some of the advantages in health and 'discipline which the richer classes enjoy at the public schools and Universities at their own expellee. And for other reasons the Report of the Royal Commission on Militia and Volunteers will gladden the hearts of philanthropists.' But Why is it necessary to make our young men, when they have gone through their course of training, liable by law to be called to the colours in case of emergency for home defence ? This, as you will explain to your readers, has nothing to do With the old exploded systerd of conscription, but it gives occasion for much silly talk about press-gangs and jail-birds and the other horrors of that system which it would be well to avoid. Task why it is thought that our young men when once trained to arms would require any legal compulsion in case of 'in- vasion. Their freely elected representatives would decide to dell theta to the 'colours.' I know something of the daises con- cerned, and I pity the young man who did not answer to the call. For the South African War, far away as it was, many, even untrained, men volunteered. I am sure all who know the "people" will support my view-, that if such a call were made, Malingerers would be almost unknown,—that -is, compulsion Would not be required. If we have compulsory training, we !nay safely leave service as it is, voluntary.—I am, Sir, &c.,
OLD LIBERAL.
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