Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 115, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 June 1917 — TODAY IS HISTORY MAKING EVENT [ARTICLE]

TODAY IS HISTORY MAKING EVENT

Registering of Millions of Men to Be Hurled in Dreadful Conflict Momentous Occasion. Today, Juna 5, will go down in history as one of the most momentous occasions in the history of our country. In every city, hamlet and town, and in every country precinct in which there is no town, 'booths are open for the registration of all young men of the nation—estimated at ten millions —from 21 to 31 years of age inclusive, for the selective draft under the new plan of government for forming an army for service against Germany and her allies. There is a holy as well as a patriotic spirit that attaches to this day and it is in this spirit that the occasion is being observed. Young men are going to offer themselves in sacrifice in the cause of liberty and democracy and to do away with the Prussian militarism forever. They are to stand between us, who are not going to be called to serve against the enemy of the world against whom ,we are sent. It should be our part, therefore, to show them that we appreciate the service and the sacrifice, that we recognize in each man who puts his name to a registration card, the same valor and patriotism displayed "by the volunteer soldier. In either case it is answering the call of the country to service. This is the way the government has chosen to raise her future armies and those who register today are the first to answer the call. Let us hail them as heroes and give them all the heart and courage that we can. A letter of Sheriff Traeger, of Cook county, to the registrars of Cook county, expresses a beautiful sentiment, in which he says: “Each man you will register today may be, before the end of the year, marching to battle for you. “You should treat each one with great courtesy as a soldier and a gentleman. “I ask you to remember that this registration is not merely a legal duty. This registration is itself an honor roll of those men whose age en> titles them to 'be soldiers of the United States.— . “It is your duty to register their names. . “It is their privilege to have their greatest opportunity to serve their country.” In many of the cities of the country registration day will be made a holiday. Business will be largely suspended, the young men who go to register will be given the day on full pay from their employers; men and women will spend the day at the registration booths to encourage and commend the patriotism of the young men w*ho are 'being called to the colors; they will be feasted; young ladies will place upon the sleeve of their coats armlets that will denote that they have answered the summons of their country, which will be an insignia of their valor and patriotism. These young men who are to be called into the dreads ulconflict that is being waged across the seas—the most terrible in the history of the world, will know that the well wishes and the love of all are going with them. They will know that they are fighting in the cause of righteousness. Some of them will never return, but to those >who die on the field of battle they may know they have performed the most noble deed that it is within their power to perform—that of giving their life for their country, that the rest of us may enjoy freedom and liberty forever.