Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 149, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 July 1918 — LOCAL CONSCRIPTION BOARD [ARTICLE]

LOCAL CONSCRIPTION BOARD

There is some critism of the local conscription board, 'but as toits merit we are not able to judge. That it is composed of- one political faith only is unfortunate. Undoubtedly it would be much more satisfactory to have both parties represented. This we do know that the work of the board is very trying. That it presents many perplexing problems and that members of the board have striven to work out the right solution in each case. They possibly may have made mistakes. Others much higher in authority have made blunders that will cost the lives of thousands of American soldiers and billions of United States gold. Much of the criticism of individual cases in this county cannot be charged to the local board, but must be charged to the district board. Many men who were placed in Class 1 by the local board have been given deferred classification by the district board. This has caused very much severe criticism and many of the cases deserve not only criticism but a reversal of the district board. ' The selection of men for war service is a most delicate matter and is mighty near the heart of every one. It should be done in the strictest fairness and no favors should be shown. It is/unfortunate that sortie people have asked for deferred classification. z This is a bad spectacle in conparaiso nwith the great number of men who have volunteered or who have answered the call to colors without a murmur. The Republican has found it very difficult to get information from the board and has been agrived several times on account of the fact that information was given out to others before we were able to get it. Since others have complained this many be imaginary on our part. Every live paper is anxious to get the news FIRST. We try to be

alert, but find that others also have their eyes pretty wide open and often make a scoop on us. We prefer to believe that the men of our local board are thoroughly trustworthy and considering the difficulties of their task are undoubtly giving high class service. If this is not true and any wrongful act has been done by them it should not only receive criticism but the offense should be dealt with in the most severe manner. We must be considerate and. fair, but at the same time unwilling that a single man should be favored and another mistreated. As to the local board being wholly Republican, it is only fair to say that any member of this board v, qpld be pleased to be relieved of his duty and be succeeded by a democrat or any other person. Each member feels that when called upon it was their duty to serve the government.

We believe that the duties instrusted to thi.-: board are too sacred t obe influenced by politics. We know of no punishment quite severe enough to be imposed upon anyone who would allow anything but the good of the service to guide their actions in this important matters. If there is something rotten, it should be made public, but if the .board has done its duty they reserve the suppost of the people of the county. On account of the situation being as critical as it is now and being necessary to place a large number of men in Class 1, unfavorable criticism at this time may work considerable harm. The board may be harassed by a number of people who are trying to save their hides and are anxious that the other mothers’ son be sent to war. If we had the degree of potriotism that we should have, the board would be troubled in denying to many the privilege of entering the

war rather than dealing with a lot of yellow fellows who want the others to take their places in the dangers of battle. _ When the man who should go is excused he is dimply a slacker and another must <be sent in his place. If there is something “rotten with the local conscription board •make it known, specify. If not, and if they are doing their duty give them tiie loyal support to which they would be entitled.