Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 223, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 October 1917 — War Methods Changing [ARTICLE]

War Methods Changing

by Ex-Governor Hoard

Against our will, we have been forced into the greatest conflict ever known. Our' national life and liberties and those of our children are at stake, and we are In this war with very meager preparation. JFortunjQjt ly in the last three years to supply the* allies we have learned how to mannfacture In large quantity guns, munitions and other war supplies. This has given us tens of thousands of mechanics and artisans so trained that a large output of these war necessities can be quickly had. This war has made clear what we all ought to have known and that Is that the volunteer system of service utterly falls In a crisis, besides being obviously unjust and undemocratic. Experience .shows there is only one plan that will work and that is universal military training and service. Aside from the training that will now be given the men called by the selective draft, we must permanently adopt the plan of giving every young man before he enters a business career at least six months of Intensive training to build up his physique and develop him in strength and virility. Nothing else will do so much for him; these men to be subject to call for service, and they should be made available for any kind of service necessary to maintain the army and navy In time of war. It is quite as necessary to plow corn as to-dig trenches. A man may be able to render a higher service to his country behind the plow or at a lathe in a workshop thap by operating a machine gun in a battle line. Everyone must be brought to understand that he owes a duty to his country th*t 4n a crisis mast be paid in personal service of such kind as the country may require of him. No matter what that service may be, six months of intensive military training Is the best possible preparation he can have for it. In return for the blessings and opportunities of freedom we enjoy, we owe our country a duty that must be paid even if life must be sacrificed. We have no right to shirk responsibility and endeavor to place theburden upon others. us. Germany is a mighty foe and to defeat her we must go the limit. If we do not win, liberty and popular government may be lost to the world. There Is one lesson we must now learn, that we should have learned years ago, and that Is never again to be caught In a position where we are so completely unready to defend ourselves. We must adopt and permanently maintain universal military training. Without this our national life will never be secure. There is no —assurance that the present will be the last war. Such predictions have been made after every war. There is only one way and that is to be strong and ready. It Is quite probable that If we had been prepared the kaiser would not have trampled upon our rights and we would not have been forced into this awful war. Now that we are in, we must go through to the end and the harder we fight the sooner it will be over. ~