France. I. [RHS]
The main points of this law are as follows:—
1. Extension of liability to service from twenty to twenty-five years.
2. Change from five years’ to three years’ service with the Colours.
3. Abolition of all exemptions from service; even the only sons of widows, the eldest sons of orphans, and those whose brothers are already serving, must serve one year, and may be sent away at its conclusion; if, however, they have not given satisfaction in the ranks, they may be kept on for another two years. Candidates for the higher professions and theological students will have to serve for one year, the latter to serve as bearers during active service.
4. One-year Volunteers to be drawn exclusively from students of science, and from a few moderately high schools.
5. Payment of a military tax by all, and an extra one by those who are unfit for service, and by any who are conscribed for less than three years.
A final point is given to this law by stating that no one is to accept a governmental or departmental office without having previously served for five years in either Army or Navy, and during two of these years to have served in the capacity of either officer or non-commissioned officer.