New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-25

How many people are there who understand
the true meaning of the word "conscription"f
The inquiry is a timely one for Just at present
the question of it's adoption by the English
Government is being extensively discussed in
| newspapers and on the platform in the United
Kingdom, as we'll as abroad The vast majority
of the organs of the British press appear to
labor under the impression that the expression
implies universal obligatory service. and mas
much as no correction Of this mistake has ap-
peared in print il would seem that this inter-
probation of the word is shared by MANY if not
! by all Of their readers COnscrption. however
and universal obligatory military service are
two entirely different things
Consumption means an enrolment that is not
universal. but ny lot. 1t is used by those Con-
tinental countries of Europe which do not regard
it wise from an economic or political point Of
view 10 deprive national trade and Industry Of
the services of every able bodied youth in the
land for those few years when the spirit Of
enterprise is keenest France for instance
which has abolished that CONSUMPTION which it
was the first to begin. in ISIS nov compes
every youth Of twenty who does NOT happen TO
be exempted on account If medical uudrn-ss to
join the army, enforcing penalties of The Sc
verest description in all cases where man has
evaded this duty 10 the STATE such "a be-
comes ipso facto deserter, a criminal and an
outlaw. and liable 10 drastic punishment: In
Belgium. Spain and Holland. as well as iu certain
other Continental countries. where CONSUMPTION
prevails every able bodied youth is required
To presen, himself for military service on reach
ing the age of twenty. Only third of those
who thus present themselves are however.
/ chosen for service. the selection being made by
ballot, The others who have drawn fortunate
numbers are permitted 10 return home. leaving
/ al he S0
that in the event of an emergency, such as. for
instance, the invasion of the country and the de-
feat of the regular army they could be called
upon to join various regiments
THE EXPERIENCE OF FRANCE
The most notable occasion upon which these
benefeiaries of tne system of CONSUMPTION were
subsequently summoned to take service
during the Franco German War of 1870 In
fact. the greater portion OF the so-caIed south
eastern army of the late General Bourbaki was
composed of young men Who had been permitted
10 return to their homes at the time when they
presented themselves for service at the age Of
twenty. and who had been summoned to the
colors only after the defeat of Sedan and the
invasion Of France 10y the Germans There were
some eighty thOusau nd men in all under Bour-
baki and more than sixty thousand of them
were So devoid of all military training that they
HIu NOT even KNOW now To- nre Ih1lr rlLSS OF -
fix their bayonets, while the mechanism of the
chassepot and the meaning Of The various words
OF regimental command were altogether beyond
their comprehension Naturally. they We're IN
able to offer any resistance % the German army
under General WeIder and were driven Ike 50
many sheep across the border into switzerland
IL the lamentable fate of this army that
determined France To substitute universal obi
gatory service Cor the system of CONSUMPTION
which had until that time prevailed
In England there is a kind of consvriPton law
in existence. although few people aware OF
the fact. 1t is, however. suspended Ply an act
of Parliament. which is passed I'm Jh- expiring i
hours of every annual session. Were the pas
sage of this so-calrd Suspension act 10 !"
omitted any year. either 10y design or ovrrslsh@
the so-called militia ballot system Of consenF
ton would once more come into legal forS
According 10 the terms OF this law, the PrN
Council has the right To call upon each eoHhH
of the United Kingdom for a certain Qu"ts =
men between the ages of eighteen and UNI"
for compulsory service in the militia. rms 4u'"
would be furnished according % law by meS
OF ballot. and the persons exempted fr'h
latter by law would he peers. parsons arucr-
clerks, only sons " widows and people med0S'E
unfit. The law further provides that thr hA-N
thus recruited should not he employed I'i
eign service. except where the men nave -
their voluntary consent the UNDERSTANDINGS w.
that this force be employed only Tor 'eS
an invasion nf the British isles