Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-01
Answering Freedoms Call

n RRESTS Of antdraft agitators. made by
"A agents Of the Department of Justice
oner solemn warning to those who would
seek TO evade. or persuade others to evade
their duty to their country Registra ton
on next Tuesday is not to be escaped by any
man within the prescribed ages Having
adopted principle fair to all it's people the
nation will apply it with strict impartiality
Every man subject to registration will be
registered soon or late. For few days or
few weeks he may hide himself among the
masses OF the people, but he will be searched
out. and when he is found a year In Jail
Will be his portion. Ignorance of the law
Will not excuse. and carelessness. forgetful-
ness or even illness will be no defense For
those who conspire to prevent registration
much more serious penalties are provided.
Every Richmond patriot. man or woman
must assist the registrars in their work.
The Stacker does more than cheat the gov
eminent; he cheats his loyal neighbor who
responds to the call, by increasing the likeli-
hood that the latter will be drafted Uni
versal service is fair only when it is really
universal The Stacker makes an attack on
the very foundations Of the new army The
nation owes 1t to itself and to it's citizens
to detect and punish the recalcitrant, and
We have the word Of Acknowledgement
Gregory that this duty will be performed
vigorously and impartally.
But the people must help They must
help in advance of Registration Day by
creating and making evident virile and
aggressive sentiment for strict obedience to
the law. They must show their disapprova
OF the malcontent and the Stacker They
must place country first in their thoughts
They must encourage the doubtful aud the
hesitant and they must give their sympathy
and affection to the loyal and the brave
The young man who goes now to fight his
country battles is not to be ptied, but is
20 be envied 1t is given TO such a one TO
play an honorable part in the greatest drama
Of human history. We have the chance.
PresiCent wilson tells us, by the pouring
out Of our blood and treasure to vindisite
the things which we have professed"
Those who register pext Tuesday in
scribe their names for this glorious service
They answer their country's call. not only
but the call of freedom and the call of
humanity. They go that the world may be
made safe for democracy" and that in that
better world. which their service will help
10 establish. their children and their chill
dren's children may live in peace and hap
piness.
The seective draft bill. l., the final
analysis, is merely the expression of
Americas purpose that each of her sons shall
serve where he can be Of most value To a
very great extent the nation will decide what
each of us shall do. that no talent or
energy may be wasted and every man NAV
give OF his best That is what we should
all desire to give and what must insist
that none withhold. Registration Day is our
day OF trial and, for our failure in voluntary
enlistment. it is our day Of atonement But
Tor us and for all Americans it is also day
of triumph, when we shall mako our armies
as Tree as our juries. our elections and our
schools