In Canada as in Great Britain we enrolled a great army under the
voluntary system. If it had been said a few years ago that the Dominion
could secure 400,000 men for a war in Europe the statement would have
been treated with derision. But the fact that voluntary enlistment has
been so satisfactory is an argument for, not against, a compulsory
draft. The need for selection is more imperative. Such great sacrifices
demand our last effort to ensure that they shall not be in vain.
The magnitude of the enlistment emphasizes the danger and the vital
interest of Canada in the issue. It is admitted by the authorities
that in a few months all available reinforcements will be exhausted.
Appeal and persuasion have ceased to bring any considerable response,
although not wholly without effect. There is no prospect of peace
in the near future. We must, therefore, gradually withdraw from the
war as our regiments become ineffective fighting units or supply such
fresh troops as will meet the loss and wastage. There is no suggestion
that fresh troops should be withheld. Even those who oppose the draft
declare that adequate reinforcements must be provided. It may be
that compulsion would not have been applied in Canada if voluntary
recruiting could have been maintained, but with comparative failure
of voluntary recruiting and little prospect of revival it is curious
that the draft should be opposed if the necessity for reinforcements is
admitted.