inconvenience and loss.

_The Chairman._ Are there not older or married actors that you could
employ for this great work?

_Mr. Tummilee._ They're not so good. The comedian in question was a very
agile dancer and was also good-looking. Other men might not attract the
public.

_The Chairman._ Is the attraction of the public essential?

_Mr. Tummilee (surprised)._ Naturally. How should we managers live
otherwise? Besides, when a great war is going on it's a national duty to
try and make people forget. My theatre, you perhaps are not aware, is a
favourite resort for wounded soldiers, who are never so happy as when
they are there.

_The Chairman._ Surely all that happiness will not disappear because
this one performer is missing?

_Mr. Tummilee._ Most of it. He's the great draw.

_The Chairman._ Has it not occurred to you that the country ought to
come first?

_Mr. Tummilee._ I consider I'm doing a great deal for the country, and
he too, by making it laugh.

_The Chairman._ You must find an older funny man or soon we may all be
weeping.

Application refused.

Mr. Samuel Bland claimed exemption on the ground that he disapproved of
war and physical force.

_The Chairman._ What would you do if you caught a burglar in your house?

_Applicant._ I should lock him in and call for the police.

_The Chairman._ Then you don't mind relying on the physical force of
others for your own protection?

_Applicant._ That is part of the machinery of civilisation.

_The Chairman._ So, I fear, is an army. Do you pay your taxes?

_Applicant._ Yes.

_The Chairman._ Why?

_The Applicant._ Because there is Scriptural warrant for it.

_The Chairman._ But you know that a large part of them goes to maintain
our fighting men. Without money we should have to give in.

_Applicant._ I obey the law. I don't necessarily know where the money is
going.

_The Chairman._ Your position is very illogical. Either you should take
your part in defending your country or obey your conscience and either
go to prison for refusing to pay taxes for the carrying-on of the War,
or emigrate to some place more like Utopia than this is. As it is you
take advantage of other men's readiness to fight and even to die for
you, and actually pay them to do so, but raise conscientious objections
to doing either for yourself. A conscience that is so adaptable is not
worth considering.

Application refused.

Harry Cadgsmith, who said he was a picture-pa