Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 April 1917 — Tenth District Behind President. [ARTICLE]

Tenth District Behind President.

For some reason not understood in this community, Congressman Will R. Wood is polled as intending to oppose universal military service and selective conscription. Both the Chicago Tribune and the New York World have recently published a poll of U. S. senators and representatives and in each instance Mr. Wood has been listed as an opponent of the measures advocated by President Wilson. He is still insisting that the government be hampered by the volunteer system of inefficiency. Inasmuch as Mr. Wood has not seejJ fit to acquaint his friends here to the contrary we take it that he has been correctly quoted by the newspapers in question, and if this be true we are surprised, indeed, as it .s the duty of every congressman to represent the people of his district, and in this instance Mr. Wood is failing to ly interpret the wishes of his constituents.

Ninety-five per cent of the people of the Tenth district are with President Wilson in this matter and opposition by Mr. Wood will create a feeling of irritation that were much bet-ter-avoided. It should be understood once and for ail that the residents of the Tenth Indiana congressional district are loyal and sincere. They did not crave war but when it is thrust upon them they want everything done that will result in an effective campaign and a speedy termination of hostilities. From every city, town and vilflage in the district young men are flocking to the recruiting stations, but everywhere the injustice of the system is recognized and universal service is given almost unanimous approval. Under the circumstances The' Republican sincerely hopes that Mr. Wood will not be misled in this matter. If he is following his o.wn inclinations he shoulld defer to the wishes of his constituents. If he is acting upon advices received from his district we can only suggest that ho is representing a very small minority and we would advise that he immediately instigate a more accurate poll for his own guidance. Universal service ia the one safeguard in this emergency and the longer action is delayed the greater is the hazzard to which the nation is subjected. It is not too much to expect that when the roll is called thi? district will be recorded as being alive to the needs of the hour and whole-hearted in its endorsement of the wisdom of the plan for universal service..