Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-05-25
The Spirit of Registration Day

The Spirit of Registration Day
The fact that Sir Robert Borden, the Canadian
premier. after attending a war council OF the
British Empire in London is TO move for a seiec-
tive CONSUMPTION law in Canada, comes as added
assurance that the United States made no mistake
in adopting selective draft from the start.
Rather might it be said that costly errors ramify-
ing in hundreds of directions have been avoided.
errors that would have to he paid for in the loss
Of numberIess American lives on the battlefield
and uncounted confusion ano suffering a home.
Canada so far has relied upon the volunteer
system Ii is true that Canadian soldiers have
been among the most valuable and heroic engaged
in the great British offensive against the Germans,
but no one thrust. however heroic. one series of
thrusts however heroic, can avail, it appears, to
end or win this Every country engaged in it
must be organized for continuous struggle
struzsIe at home and struggle the firing line.
The necessity OF this continuity makes Canada
row look with favor on the selective draft.
AS President Wilson said in his registration
day proclamation. The whole nation must be
team in which each man shall play the part for
which he is best fitted" and herein is disclosed
the real significance of registration day. 1t shall
be the beginning of the sorting and selecting pro-
cess which shall find duty for every man of mil
itary age-the duty he is best able to perform.
IL viIl begin the organization of that great team
that shall make the might of America felt in the
cause of right in the OF liberty and for the
overthrow of the most brutal military oppression
that ever arose to menace mankind.
The Fifth day of June. the date of the registra-
ton must therefore be observed occasion of
the utmost patriotic Devotion. The president has
said that on this day. our people must draw close
foo He
has further said that 1T is essential that the day
be approached in thoughtful apprehension of its
Significance. and that accord to it the honor
ard meaning il deserves"
That this will be done in overlooking measure
is everywhere apparent. The machinery of the
state governments and the counties composing
Them. to which the duty of the registration has
been entrusted, has already been set in state of
eficent readiness. Volunteers for registrars and
offers of places for registration coming in gen.
erous volume. The people indeed are drawing
close together in the performance of this patriotic
duty.
For those who must register the day must be
one of outhowing patriotism; it must be an occa-
sion born of the spirit of Here | am: send me-"
Governor Harris in his proclamation urging
the day TO be made one of high patriotic import.
httingly suggests 10 Georgians that:
"on the day fixed by the President for
the registration of the men of military age in
this state they repair with accord to the
voting places of their counties and cities, and
make the occasion day for patriotic demon
stration. seeking earnestly TO surround the
men who shall sign the military roll, with all
the enthusiasm, sympathy and encouragement
that il Is possible to command Let the peo-
.pIe recall 20 the Young the memories of those
other DAYS when the chivalry and courage char
acteristic OF soldiery crowned with tri-
umph the banners that Georgians carried
on many a stricken field. To the
women of the state an especial appeal is made
to be present when their sons and brothers
and kindred have gathered together for reg
istration 10 exhibit their patriotic love of
country that the young men may feel that
those whom they leave behind are approving
their conduct and will give them Godspeed
should they be called TO the colors."
Patriotism. unselhshness. sscrihce-these sum
ND the spirit Of registration day. In the fullness
OF this meaning must the young men register and
in the fulness of the meaning must their loved ones
surround them as their names are enrolled: and in
the fullness of this meaning must all the citizenry
accord their approval and support.