Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 March 1917 — Major George H. Healey Makes Appeal at Monticello. [ARTICLE]

Major George H. Healey Makes Appeal at Monticello.

Monticello Herald. Major George H. Healey, of the Indiana National Guard, was in the city Tuesday on business connected with the local militia company and while here gave an interview to the Herald for publication. Major Healey has had quite a little military experience and we think has a correct conception of the present military problem in the United States. The interview is well worth serious consideration by the young men of the country, in fact, by all who appreciate the full meaning of American citizenship. The interview is as follows: Apathy is endangering our nation. Trustfulness and smug complacency have controlled us far too long and now when we are confronted, with grave dangers the extent of which we dare not imagine, it is difficult to arouse our people to the realization of the possible consequences. Practically every thinking person is in favor of universal military service. They realize that the opportunities and blessings of citizenship being equal, that the responsibilities should also be equal. They approve taxation that is based upon a fair valuation of holdings and agree that the man who has the most of this

world’s goods needs the most protection, but they see too often the protection furnished by those who have responsibilities instead of property. There can be but one answer and that is the awakening of a nation to the proper provision for the training of all and the employment of those who can best serve when the crisis comes. Now the crisis is at hand and there fias been no provision. And still “a confiding people decline to place themselves in training. The barn door is unlocked. The owner sleeps. In all probability the call will come some day for the service of Company C and probably for it to be recruited up to war strength. Then young men will respond, but they might as well have had considerable training before the call. Training that would be of great importance to them and .valuable to the country. Let me make a fervent appeal to the loyalty of parents and to their reasoning to have their sons at once make a pledge of service and at once begin training. It is only anticipating an action certain to be provided when congress reconvenes and there is no telling what may transpire in the meantime. It is proving that you measure up to a duty of citizenship without waiting for measures of compulsion. Last year I worked with energy and was loyally supported by many good citizens in the reorganization of the local militia company and the result was that Company C measured up to a very high standard in its border service. Let the work of recruiting it start at once and may every patriot come to the front NOW with the assistance needed to accomplish the result. There will never be regret in the performance of any national duty. If the duty is clear, the response should be immediate. Maj. George H. Healey.