26 SEPTEMBER 1914, Page 14

COMPULSORY SERVICE VERSUS VOLUNTEERING, [To THR EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR "]

SIR,—My experience, after trying to recruit scores of young men unknown to me, is that they say that if compelled by law they will join at once and gladly; but they distrust what will happen if they are maimed in a limb as volunteers. In fact, compulsory service would be a popular measure, while nothing else will get the men required—not even the bid for. Nationalist recruits of last Tuesday week.—I am, Sir, &c., Hindhead. E. C. SELWYN. [Our correspondent should read President Lincoln's defence of conscription, given by us elsewhere.—En. Spectator.]