When, therefore, assurances flow from the same source--assurances that there is no need for compulsory military service--that the voluntary system has given, is giving, and will continue to give us all we require--we may be forgiven for expressing our incredulity. Such official and semi-official statements are not supported by any clear proofs. They are contradicted by much that we have heard from persons who are both honest, and in a position to know. They are discredited by our own eyes when we read the recruiting advertisements and posters. It seems safer, therefore, to dismiss these official and semi-official assurances, and trust for once to our instinct and the evidence of our own senses. It seems safer also not to wait for complete breakdown in war, or mortifying failure in negotiations for peace, in order to have the need for national service established beyond a doubt. [1] Cf. Mr. Runciman, _ante_, p. 344. [2] (A) Four questions to the women of England. 1. You have read what the Germans have done in Belgium. Have you thought what they would do if they invaded England? 2. Do you realise that the safety of your Home and Children depends on our getting more men now? 3. Do you realise that the one word "Go" from _you_ may send another man to fight for our King and Country? 4. When the War is over and your husband or your son is asked 'What did you do in the great War?'--is he to hang his head because you would not let him go? Women of England do your duty! Send your men _to-day_ to join our glorious Army. GOD SAVE THE KING. (B) Five questions to those who employ male servants. 1. Have you a butler, groom, chauffeur, gardener, or gamekeeper serving _you_ who, at this moment should be serving your King and Country? 2. Have you a man serving at your table who should be serving a gun? 3. Have you a man digging your garden who should be digging trenches? 4. Have you a man driving your car who should be driving a transport wagon? 5. Have you a man preserving your game who should be helping to preserve your Country? A great responsibility rests on you. Will you sacrifice your personal convenience for your Country's need? Ask your men to enlist _to-day_. The address of the nearest Recruiting Office can be obtained at any Post Office. GOD SAVE THE KING. [3] How many we have not been told; but that the numbers whatever they may be do not yet reach nearly what is still required we know from the frantic character of the most recent advertisements.