Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-24
Murphey Gamblers Americ anISnl

A pity IL is that all opponents of the Selective
Service act did not hear Hon. Murphey Gamblers
speech on that immensely important measure II
their opposition had been sincere, that is to say
result Of misinformed or misdirected thinking
thew would have yielded to the fair forcefuness of
his reasoning-unless they were hopelessly obtuse
If their opposition had lain in politics or on lack
of sympathy with the nations cause, they would
have been shamed out of their disafection by the
splendid ardor of his patriotism-unless they were
hopelessly un-American. As it is, the rank ana
file of Georgians. having been privileged to read
Mr. Gamblers speech, which made at Buford
last Thursday feel indebted to him for his inspir-
ing declaration of the faith and loyalty that is in
them. Such able and honor-bringing utterances
as his requte the State rrequital be possible for
the Misrepresentation it suffers the lips of
some who presume to speak for its people.
AS an argument for the Constitutionality of
the Seective Service law, Mr.. Gamblers address is
unanswerabIe. From the decisions of the United
States Supreme Court he quoted among others the
incisive opinion of Mr.. Justice Field the effect
that the National Government in exercising its
power TO raise and support armies can determine
without question from any State authority how
the armies shall be raised. whether by voluntary
enlistment or forced draft the age at which he
shall be taken, the compensation he shall be al
lowed and the service to which he shall be as
signed. particularly Apostle. IN view OF lHS
charge of autocracy which some of the Presidents
critics have made was Mr. Gamblers reference to a
decision from Georgias own Supreme Court on the
same issue.
1T must not be forgotten" that eloquent
decision reads that Governments, however.
free in theory and in practice, have their
parts TO act in the great drama of inter
national affairs. They must hold intercourse
and maintain relations with all other Gov
ernments, whether free or despotic They
may have MISUNDERSTANDING the
most absolute and potent. When this issue
comes there is no necrOmancy in republican
ism TO spirit away the invader. no magic
spell to resolve into friendliness his hostile
purpose II is an issue OF force and the
republic must put forth for man. gun
for gun-must match strength with strength.
II is concession enough to liberty that with
us. eyea IN such crises, the power is welded
, by no usSTping hereditary despot. accord
ing TO his caprice but by chosen representa-
stves of the people in accordance with the
principles aLG usages of free governments.
49,. We cannot suppose that either the
--Gmers of our Constitution the people who
adopted IL preferred tn have the liberties and
the sovereignty of the country at the mercy
of foreign pntentates. rather than invest the
public councils with the mower of defending
them; that they dreaded foreign conquest less
than domestic rule
Such the teaching of the fathers of our
Commonwealth more than half century ago and
such is the belief of the great body of the Georgia
people today Yet. some there who have
sought TO obstruCI almost every measure of pre-
paredness and defense which the Administration
has put forward They opposed and still oppose
the selective draft. together with food control
and similar bills on the ground that such legisa-
tion is oppressive and contrary TO the Constitu-
ton. Do they not realize that if German mil
itarism' has its way, there will be Constitution