MR. M. T. BASSasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the present system of recruiting for the Army and the Militia seems to him to be so satisfactory as to render it inexpedient to discuss or consider the practicability of introducing the Ballot or any other form of compulsory service, if only in a tentative form?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, in a case of supreme necessity, the obligation to defend the country would be universal, and would no doubt be universally and readily responded to. But I am of opinion that, under ordinary circumstances, the country ought and would not submit to conscription in any form; and I believe that this is the general opinion of the House.