Word: draft
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...noteworthy that the draft bill provides for the exemption of conscientious objectors to military service. That is a necessary, although theoretically not just, provision. Like the proverbial horse which refuses to quench its thirst, a man who will not fight, will not. Not Mr. Roosevelt, nor patriotism, nor the fear of death may force him. The burden of defending the irreconcilibly peaceful must be borne by those who prefer existence to peace...
...draft bill takes some shape of life from the primieval slime out of which Congress created it, we are able to see a little more clearly what manner of men will form our new armies. It has been estimated that ten million men will be of the age subject for conscription. That is almost as large a total as Russia might offer. It is larger by two-thirds than the whole forces the German Empire has put in the field. Yet her men have been able to hold half the world at bay. The power in numbers of our nation...
...going to call on a half-million from that vast aggregation which is now rendered by law liable to draft. That is a proportion of one in twenty. If anyone, having reached within the last ten years that age which presumes to manhood, is fearful of undertaking those duties which he, as a courageous and honorable citizen, owes his nation, he may allay his fears for the time. The chances are nineteen to one against unwilling individuals being taken. Such over-whelming odds do not even partake of the adventure which hinges to a sporting chance...
...chosen twentieth should regard themselves as privileged above those of their own age whom the draft passed over. They will be called upon to set a standard in honor, in fortitude, and in strength that other armies, following after them, may look to as an ideal...
Such an accusation, however hidden, coming at this period is barely decent. The examining officers know the physical and mental abilities of some hundreds of would-be officers who, keeping a wise weather eye on the draft bill, decided they would rather carry an officer's sabre than a private's rifle, although they had not the physical stamina to carry either on parade, nor the moral stamina to carry either in battle. It is largely such men who are now whimpering that they were not chosen. It need not be said whether their first thought is for their country...