The Spectator at war: Marital obligations

From ‘Boys and Compulsory Service‘, The Spectator, 29 May 1915: [To the editor of The Spectator] Sir,— The wasteful expedient of universal service may be unavoidable, but I submit that loss will outweigh gain if we compel boys under twenty to fight abroad. To this, however, I would admit one exception—married men of whatever age. They have voluntarily incurred responsibility for the defence of their wives, and this, I think, must in their ease prevail against other considerations. But the unmarried are in a different position, and should be exempt from compulsory service abroad till a later age. Any that volunteer may be presumed to have some special suitability, but the rest should not be compelled to fight except to meet an actual landing of the enemy. To training them for that purpose I raise no objection; we shall thus prepare all for future service at. a proper age, and encourage many to volunteer at once.