It has been said that failure to volunteer does not necessarily imply
want of patriotism, but it will be hard to find any decent excuse for
men who neglect to register under the Military Service Act. There is
assurance of consideration for those in difficult circumstances. There
is certainty of exemption for adequate reasons. Failure, therefore,
to respond to the State’s appeal will imply want of patriotism and
expose the recalcitrants to compulsion in its ancient and more odious
significance. The Government cannot be partial towards individuals
or classes or communities. There is no provision for the purchase of
substitutes such as unfortunately occurs in the Canadian Militia Act of
1906, and which constituted a flagrant defect in the draft as applied
in the American Civil War. Rich and poor are on a common level. Equal
in citizenship, from all equal service and sacrifice are required. As
reinforcements are needed those who have been found liable and fit
for service will receive notice to report at the nearest mobilization
centre. Neglect of the summons will expose offenders to a maximum
sentence of five years’ imprisonment at hard labor. Nor will any
civil punishment relieve such offenders from the performance of their
military duties. All sentences will be imposed ordinarily by the civil
magistrates but in cases of refusal or wilful neglect to report for
duty the military authorities may inflict the severe penalties due to
deserters.