Mr. Judge Ostler Says...

Mr. Judge Ostler does not say what he is reported to have said in an issue of the Post. When Salient saw a black type heading on the leader page of the Post entitled "Make them Go" they were naturally curious, and it was decided immediately to try to secure an interview with the Judge who was responsible, when we were ensconced in his room the Judge indignantly denied being the author of the statement "make them go." He had been [unclear: misreported]. What he had said was "I always feel at home among a gathering of returned solders because I know I am among friends with common interests and aspirations, a common pride in our Empire, a common love of our country, and a common belief that the fit men who have the privilege of living under our flag should be compelled to fight and [unclear: train] in its defence. That principle seems to me to be the very essence of democracy. But I also think that not only should no person be allowed to make any profit out of the war, but that those persons who be [unclear: reaon] of age or other disability are unable to stand in the front line, or whose work or skill is more valuable at home, should be compelled to contribute their utmost in work and in surplus income; for it is only fair that while the fit men are risking their lives these remaining at home should be prepared to contribute their work and property. That principal also seems to me to be the essence of democracy, and I for one am willing and anxious to see it brought into operation."

The Judge said that he had not given very much thought to the problem of conscientious objectors. If they were genuine objectors of sincere religious convictions they should be exempted from actual service but should be made to do some useful work behind the lines (such as digging latrines?) But if they were men who were desirous of hindering our war effort, or who wanted us to lose the war, the case took on a different complexion. They should not be treated so easily.

I believe that we should have compulsory military training even in peace time," said the Judge. "If we had done that we might not now be in this position."

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When asked about the trial of Objectors the Judge stated that he assumed that tribunals would be set up as in England. Thus the interview terminated, very unsatisfactorily, we thought, since from one who had been reported (in black heading) as having said—Make them Go" we had expected something else than the traditional socialist position.