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On January 15th, a lecture on 'Militaryism' had been delivered at the Masonic Hall, the result of which it was reported that those present had taken a vote and agreed to do all in their power to oppose the Bill. They were against 'compulsion' of any kind.
There was an immediate outcry, with letters to the press accusing the Independent Labour Party, Socialists and members of the trade union movement of being unpatriotic and leading a conspiracy against the good of the country.
'Sir, In last weeks paper I saw a letter which stated that the working men of West Calder had met in the Masonic Hall and passed a resolution protesting against and resolving to oppose the Military Service Bill. This really is throwing a slur on the working men of West Calder. It was only a mere handful of members of the ILP who did so. The bulk of the young working men of West Calder are in the trenches or preparing themselves for the fight of liberty. The young men who are not away would be better occupied getting into uniform than passing such resolutions. In any case they have good reason to keep quiet and keep out of sight just now. It is only indispensable men we need at home right now. Patriot."
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