The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1917-06-08
PRIZE WINNING ARGUMENT.

Cn6 OeDaCe OI Cne WOOuTOW WllSOHl
literary society, the subject of the de-
bate being: Resolved, That Wilson's
Conscription Plan is the Wisest Meth
cd of Raising an Army Under Present
Conditions" The full text of the
speech of Mr.. Krasnoff follows:
The idea uppermost in the Ameri-
can mind today and which has stirred
our entire nation is that expressed by
the word conscription. AS one has
said: "In peace nothing so becomes
a man as modest stiffness and humil-
ity; but when the war blasts beat
upon our ears, let us initiate the ac-
'tions of tiger-stiffen our sinews
and call up our blood" This is a
time when we must have real service
that we know from experience will be
effective and it is no time for uncer-
tain speculations. We all agree that
America is confronting the gravest
problem in her history, and that we
must have military power to settle
the issue; but we disagree in regard
to the method of raising the needed
army with which to overthrow the
greatest curse that has ever moved
over the face of the waters-German
Imperialism. We are in one of the
bloodiest wars of all history and in
which we are to play leading role.
This war cannot be won by talk and
it cannot be won by volunteers, but
by conscription, which method has
never failed. Reason with me, my
countrymen, that you might see for
yourselves the real merits of the
L..
which is nurtured and which shall ex-
ist by the truest ideals of an unques-
tionable democracy.
Wilson's idea of conscription is not
that men shall merely be forced into
military service, but all men of all
ranks and professions shall be enlist
ed into war service. In his proclama-
ton to the people, he appeals to the
farmer, to the men who run the rail-
ways, to the middleman, to the mer-
chant, to the shipbuilder, to the miner,
to the manufacturer and to the people
who cultivate gardens, to enlist in the
great service army of the nation.
This method means equal distribu-
tion of responsibility among the 104,-
100000 people of the United States
and majority of this vast number
is in favor of conscription.
Those who are opposed to conscrip-
tion say it is undemocratic but pray
tell me what is more democratic than
making everyone serve without regard
to color, race, environment, wealth
or social position? Why should only
those who are thrilled with patriot
ism volunteer? Why not put the
hn cloc cl, orO,, ~,
ranks of those who serve their coun-
try?
While on the other hand extreme
pacifists say that it is step towards
militarism, but this is best under
stood by the example of Switzerland
(which is surrounded by a number of
the great powers of Europe, and has
maintained its independence, demo-
cratic institutions, and self-respect
and has had compulsory service for
the past 70 years.
There are quite a number of prom
inent men in the United States who
are in favor of this method. Among
whom are President Wilson, COM
mander-in-chief of our army and navy,
eX-Presidents Roosevelt and Taft, the
secretary of war and the four men
who preceded him, Uindley M. Garri-
son. Elihu Root, Henry L. Simpson
and Luke f. Wright The War Col
lege and West Point are also advocat-
ing compulsory service. Now if all
these famous men and the War Col
lege and West Point are in favor of
it, it would be foolish for us to cast
our opinion against theirs; for all of
nov do 4
the problem.
Aside from the efficiency of con-
scription, we should advocate it be-
cause of the genuine benefit that is
sure to come to our nation through
the real training that the conscripted
men shall receive. 1t gives to the
soldier physical strength; it brings
him into closer contact with his fellow
men and thus broadens his ideas and
ideals. Greatest of all, it disciplines
men, teaches them to obey by obey
ing, teaches them that to command
one must first learn to obey, teaches
them in practical way to have con-
sideration for the rights and feelings
of others, teaches them the value of
truth, teaches them the absolute need
of concentration of mind.
Perhaps the greatest argument in
favor of conscription is the weakness
of the only other available method for
raising the needed army-namely, the |
volunteer system.
We ought to profit greatly by our
own experience which has taught us
these weaknesses. 1t is best shown in
the war of 1912, when about fifteen
hundred British attacked our volun-
teer guard at WASHINGTON k;Il;nu 30 |