Читать книгу The Times Great War Letters: Correspondence during the First World War - James Owen - Страница 61

A BLACKSMITH’S OFFER

5 June 1915

SIR,—I HAVE BEEN a subscriber for a daily copy of your valuable paper since the price came within the limits of a working man’s weekly wage. Being blacksmith to trade, I am deeply concerned about how I can be made use of at the present time. For 20 years I was employed between two of the largest locomotive engine builders in Glasgow as angle iron smith, dome maker, flanging and piecing plates, also welding boiler barrels, and lately for a number of years I have been doing all kinds of general smith work and repairs. Although in my 50th year I am quite able for a good day’s work. Surely I can be of some use in serving my country in this great national crisis. I am willing to do anything or go anywhere if only I can serve and feel that I am of use. I hope some scheme of national service will be put in operation which will include working men like myself, who would be quite able to do their bit and relieve younger men for more active service.

A WORKING BLACKSMITH

AN ILLUSTRATION

8 June 1915

SIR,—WITHIN THE LAST week the foreman on a farm adjoining mine in Perthshire, who is married and has five children, of which the eldest is eight, has been induced by the recruiting agent and the Government allowances to enlist. It is impossible to replace a man in such a responsible position under present circumstances except by bribing away another farmer’s servant. On his judgment the ingathering of the crops in proper condition largely depends, as well as other work. His enlistment undoubtedly will mean a reduction in the value of the produce of the farm this year and a reduced area under cultivation next year. I ask what is the good of appeals from the Board of Agriculture to farmers to increase the area of land under cultivation if the recruiting authorities are permitted to act in this way. From a national point of view the want of organization of which this incident is an illustration is folly, and if persisted in may be properly described as madness.

Yours faithfully,

ERNEST MOON