Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-01
clAp1RAp oRAroRv.

Sneaker CldIk Icllcfcu AtAhSSAA -
a characteristic speech in the mouse
yesterday in opposition to the .presi
dents plan for selective cons cr1ptlon
and achieved heights OF claptrap ora
tory which set new record. even 10 o,
him. To dignity his assertions by can
ing them arguments would be unwar'
ranted extravaganza. -.
like others who had spoken against
the measure, Mr.. Clark declared the
Young men Of the nation should be Civ
On an opportunity to enlist as volun'
teers. and in pleading tones ne ae.
manded that this boon be not denleo
them by enactment of a heartless con.
scrintion act which would forever
stamp upon their brows the marx OF
the draft disgrace.
Men who comprehend the crisis
which confronts the nation must nave :,
found It dificult to listen to the aged
Missourian in silence and with SEM
biance Of respect.
In the flrst place. the proposed seiec.
tive CONSUMPTION measure does no.
subject to. disgrace the men CHOSEN
for service. It is framed so 1t VIII nave
exactly the opposite effect. 1t Will as
e;pn the men it needs to the tasks II
needs performed and will conslgn the
word "slacker" to the oblivion OF oD'
solescence.
A to the sneakers near-tearful plea.
II ia so senseless that 1t would deserve
no attention except that it has been
reneated by other members OF con-
gress whose fear of political reprl-
AL is greater than their ability to
condition.
America has been at war with Ger
manv for. weeks. Her action was fore
cast in March. and even earlier there
remained but little doubt. that Ger.
many's lawless acts must De halteo
soon.
\ For years the country has known the
sextent Of its lack Of preparedness as
tot o. II .aaised fighting men. Since 1919
the costly experiences OF the European
nations have been held up as warnings.
But today the officers OF the regular
army and navy and of every reserve or
yanization and patriotic society IN
America are straining every nerve to
enlist enough men to bring the light
ing force to peace strength.
Peace strength! And for war IN
which today 100000 men are fight.
ing back and forth across the shell
torn face of France in struggle
which in these times OF unprecedented
conflict, surges up and down what Is
known as single battle front
What is the present but time in
which men may volunteer? Scarcely
a community that claims the name OF
town can be found without its recruit
ing station. Appeals for men fame
from the pages of NEWSPAPERS. from
bill boards, dead walls, picture screens
land display windows; every flag is
Reminder Of the crisis which confronts
The nation.
Is this not ample opportunity?
n the volunteer system were ade-
duate, the army should be full to over
flowing.
Meanwhile. our allies are dying in a
desperate battle which is in its third
week. Marshal Joffre. who knew what
fighting In Europe means, has come
from France to ask Americans to send
soldiers to the front without delay. Ma
J Tor General Leonard Wood declares
the immediate enactment Of the con-
scription measure is of vital import
ance to the army and the country.
And for days congress has lolled
about, listening to claptrap oratory
from superannuated, pussy footing pol
'iticians.