Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-06-05
Registration Day

Today. Tuesday. IL is expected that
from eight to ten million young men Of
the country will register for service, II
called and not exempt because of de-
feet or other good reason. In some
sections where German influence. So
cialist treason, or paciist inanity have
had effect. some opposition is expected;
but without question the great major
ity Of these millions will come forward
with the informa ton desired for con-
scriptive purposes. without a desire to
escape their just share Of the country's
need.
without doubt there are many hum
dreds of thousands Of men between the
ages Of q and 81 in the country, who
would have volunteered their services
before this but for consideration FOR the
interests Of others. Some Of these are
in highly responsible positions where
their removal will prove n hardship to
the business or institution. Some are
about finishing preparation for a life to
which they and their parents or guar
dams, or friends. have been bending
their chief efforts for years. Some of
them have withheld because of the con-
dition Of mind or body of parents or
other dependents.
We should not Judge too hastily the
young man who has not volunteered,
for reasons that are entirely reason
able are wholly possible. We know of
young men who are placed just where
they have been aiming from boyhood,
and do not care TO sever present con-
nections and future prospects for a
few weeks or months service, only to
enter the scramble for civil life places
again when a sudden peace is declared.
And be II remembered that very
many people are optimistic enough to
feel sure that the end of the last war
OF the world will have been reached be-
fort the snow flies again in Maine-and
these have just as good ground for
their belief as do those who talk five
years land even so years. more of it.
To a Young man not we'll placed in
profession or business. and who is not
so much needed by some community or
business as we'll as home. the decision
Is not so hard. But to smasr at one
blow the fruition Of years of study and
work and mental concentration. is
hard. IL is doubly patriotic service
Today these men. just as loyal as the
first TO spring TO volunteer, will give
their names. addresses and recommen-
dations TO the government for selection.
IT called. that will be their excuse to
friends. employers and associates.
No man is a Stacker because he
waited 10 see II his country needs him
moro than does his community or bus
mess. And some men have volunteer
"a who were of no particular use in
any other capacity.
And right here. may We be permit
ted TO ask, what about alien young
men OF the required age? Are thew to
be exempt from military responsible
itye"
IL Is true that many aliens are here
to escape service in their own countries.
our country has protected them and
VIII continue to protect them: will they
do anything to protect themselves?
We believe our sons should not be sent
10 preserve a haven for those who will
not do as much for themselves.
Should not the country be informed
concerning some OF these things?
To US IT appears that more young
men Of the country would have shown
an aroused patriotism if the govern
ment had actually moved in the last
two years as though a war were pos
sible. Why should young men rush to
sever home and business ties, if an
other Mexican fizzle Is to result?
We sincerely hope that the feeling
now showing in every utterance from
every country chat despite their claims
and boasts and threats, every govern
ment is praying for some peace solu-
tion) will triumph. We hope that peace
will be arranged within the next few
months, but IL it comes after draft
IL will cause hardship. and bitterness,
Of another variety in the hearts of
Young men who have been lifted from
important places by selective conscrip-
ton, against their own judgment.
Don't be guilty OF calling a young
man n Stacker because he hasn't vol