THE HOME GUARDS.
[To on Boma or on ..Sracxxxon."]
am a country clergyman who am heart and goal in favour of the Volunteer movement. I have enrolled myself. and I think it is my example that has induced many men above military age in this parish to do the same. But there are those who aro saying that if we are invaded the Germans would not recognize us as belligerents, that our intervention would be a pretext for " ruthlessness," and our action would make matters infinitely worse for the women and children whom we wish to defend.—I am, Sir, dec., W. W. B.
[A Volunteer in uniform or with a Government brassard, part of a definite combatant organization and acting under orders, is every bit as meek entitled to belligerent right. as a Guardsman. Whether he would got them from the Germans is another matter. It is quite conceivable that in case of invasion there will be no quarter given on either side, but that is no reason for not defending the country to the utmost. If, however, the authorities in case of invasion proclaim the Volunteers part of the military forces of the Crown, and tell the Germans that if they do not treat them as combatants they (the invaders) will not be so treated, the Germans will doubt- less elect to abide by the agreement signed by them at the Hague.—En. Spectator.]
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