The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1917-05-11
FOR MY COUNTRY

the expression attributed TO Comma.
dore Stephen Decatur, "My country
right or wrong, still, my country,
is a sentiment that finds an echo in
every loyal heart. Yet, we find peo-
pie here and there, at this time, when
our country, after every honorable
means to avoid it has been drawn in
to the worldwide war, condemning
and carpingly criticising the Admin
istration and Congress in their eff
forts to meet the conditions which
have been thrust upon them. We may
be opposed to warm fact few people
are not, for we all love peace rather
than strife-but there are occasions,
as men and nations are constituted,
when it cannot be avoided without a
surrender of all claim to national
honor, rights and dictates of human
ity. The people of the United States,
vast, overwhelming majority Of
them, feel that way over our break
with Germany.
The President, having presented to
Congress the array of indignities
lation of the nations and our peo-
pies rights, contemptuous disregard
for the lives of our citizens which
have been taken by Germany's ruth
less putting aside the established
rules of warfare among civilized peo-
ples-which have been heaped upon
us, that body, ignoring all party lines,
declared our country to BE in state
of war with Germany with few dis
senting votes. The Administration and
the best minds of Congress and the
War Department, upon whom the re-
sponsibility rests to raise an army,
reinforce the navy and make pro-
vision for successfully meeting the
condition, have decided that the
drafting or select CONSUMPTION sys-
tenn is the best, speediest and most
practical way to raise the large army
needed. You may cling to senti-
mental idea that the, old volunteer
system is the only plan to be fol-
lowed by republican form of gov
eminent, but are you justified in set
ting up your individual feelings and
Judgment against the combined wis
dom and decision of men who have
made thorough and searching study
Iof the whole situation, and rail at the
governments policy in Incorporate
expressions and abuse? On the final
vote of Congress on the plan to raise
an army, do you realize that your
Congressman, Mr.. Hensley, who ia
vored the voluntary plan, as well as
the whole Missouri delegation, sur
rendered to the combined wisdom of
the Administration, large majority
of the members of Congress-both
Senate and House-and the ablest of
our army men, and voted for the con-
scription plan? That is the way to
stand by your country and show the
true American spirit.
Every man owes duty to his coun-
try, and if he is possessed Of the true
spirit of patriotism, he is ready to
perform that duty whenever his coun-
try calls. Select CONSUMPTION is the
fairest and most equitable way for
the government to make that call. 1t
not only apportions the number of
men to be called from each State ac-
cording to population, but it gives the
government an opportunity to with
hold from the army ranks men need
ed in industrial positions where they
may be of better service to their gov
the farm, to raise food
for the army and the country; in the
munitions factories, to furnish arms
and munitions for the fighting forces;
in the mines, to get out the mineral
needed in the manufacture of guns,
ships, ETC.; in the ship
yards to build ships and reinforce the
navy-many of whom might other
wise volunteer for the rank and file;
md then it catches the Stacker" who
would shirk the duty he owes his
ountry.
Those in charge of the government
re giving sleepIess hours of study
. the questions of how best to con-
uct the war and conserve the forces
the country, and are advising with
lie most experienced army and navy
en-, inventors, manufacturers and
atesmen which the country affords,
id Congress is debating ands sitting