Mr. Haldane in the same interview dealt with several of
the criticisms made on his scheme. He defended his plan of giving separation allowances to the non-commissioned officers but not to the men, a plan which has been made the reason of complaint in many battalions, on the ground that he specially wanted men to become non-commissioned officers. As to the fourteen days in camp, Mr. Haldane remarked :— " We have lightened that regulation. No man will be com- pelled to come if it means his ruin by dismissal from his work." Mr. Haldane ended the interview by insisting that he wanted every one to realise that it is a very serious duty we are asking people to undertake for their country. We agree ; but would it not be better to bring home that duty to every one rather than let it fall partially, and so be carried out imperfectly ?
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