Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 May 1918 — CONCERNING EXEMPTIONS [ARTICLE]

CONCERNING EXEMPTIONS

When the selective draft law was passed and the government began the 'mobilization of an army, many were the predictions that it would meet with bitter opposition from the people. Members of congress even were heard to remark that they would not Choose between being a conscript and being a convict. But contrary to all such gloomy views, the work has been going smoothly on and the people have quietly adapted themselves to the law’s requirements, till now the calling of men under its provisions is regarded as a mere matter of course. The selective draft law is a signal victory for sound government. It recognizes the fundamental fact that man owes a debt to government, and is bound to pay that debt on demand—that theVe can be no exemption so long as the man himself is physically and 'mentally fit to pay. Nothing but physical or mental unfitness can exempt any man from the obligation. But isn’t there a further obligation resting upon the benificiaries of government? Is life and personal service all of the debt? Getting down to the gist of the question, if the government has the right to demand the services of your son, has it not the right to demand the services of your dollars as well? Is property taor^.sacred

in the eyes of the law than life? Life and service alone can never win the war. These must be backed up and sustained by the money and means of the nation. But is the burden to fall entirely on the government of raising these means of sustenance. Before many more months of this war have passed, the people of this country are going to be rudely aroused to the fact that, Viewed in the light of justice and right, NOTHING should be exempt. Life is the most sacred of our possessions. Yet life is demanded by our government, and we see no injustice in the demand. But as soon as our precious dollars are demanded we raise a holy howl. Our government is fighting for itsexistence. The life and death struggle 4s now going on. and shall any citizen of this government dare to claim that his country has not the right to his last dollar if that should be needed to insure victory? So long as the bond issues of the government are readily subscribed. hjowe’ver, indications are that that means will be taken to finance the war. Should these issues fail of subscription the real test as to the ultimate (.authority of government will come.