The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-06-07
333 YOUNG MEN REGISTER
IN TUCUMCAR|, TUESDAY

Tucumcari celebrated Registration
Day as a holiday, all the business firms
such as barber shops, pool halls, sa-
looms, stores and offices were closed
With the exception Of pool hall and
barber shop on West Main and a few
other places Of minor Importance, the
drug stores not being asked TO close.
a patriotic parade with Boy Scouts,
decorated autos and many civilians
was participated in about 10 o'clock
in the morning and fine demonstra.
tion of patriotism was given by the
boys within the age limit as they
lined up at the court house to register
their names as ready to serve their
country If necessary. There We're 1893
signed Tuesday and a number are yet
to register. Not particle of trou-
BILE and while it seems a sad duty of
the young men to protect this govern
ment in q crisis like that which is now
upon us, the young men never fater-
ed, but with the smile of man with
confidence, they wrote their names
and were given their cards to show
the authorities that they have done
their part.
Each young man was decorated with
khaki band and red, white and blue
ribbon together with small card
board emblem bearing the U. S. flag
! in colors, and the wording, 81 have
registered to serve my country"
The registration is over and millions
of young men between the ages of 81
and 81 are awaiting the call to the
colors. Some expect exemption be-
cause Of dependent families, disquali-
flying physique, or engagement in nee
essary occupations. But most of those
who have registered awake each morn
ing thinking of "The Call" For, soon
err or later, it is coming and they know
it may take them. But happy they
who carry with them today the con-
sciousness of having toed the mark
and registered for service when needed
There are today on the streets of
Tucumcari, some young men who have
guilty consciences. They did not toe
the mark. They chose dishonor, per-
haps through mental confusion or by
wrong advice. They overstated or un-
derstated their ages. They are fur
tive today, for those in Tucumcari fear
that tap Oh the shoulder and that de
mand for evidence of registration.
They know detection means arrest and
arrest means conviction and convic-
tion means a year in prison-and after
that, enforced registration and SER
vice in the ranks. These men are not
Socialists or members of any party.
There has much been said about the
Socialists and perhaps some of them
deserved it, but the lady who spoke at
the court house Saturday night was
n patriot. Her words sank deep into
the hearts of her audience and those
who thought thi' an unjust war on
United States part, were convinced
that civilization, humanity and justice
is only possible by the defeat of Prus-
sianism. Her account of circumstances
happening in Europe during her stay
there was vivid and in some instances
heart breaking. She said all girls or
single ladies were forced TO marry the
soldiers so that they might bear chill
dren in Germany and many other sim
liar circumstances. War is justified
when liberty is at stake and this ad-
dress Saturday night by the Socialist
lady will go far toward uniting the
whole nation in this present conflict
which can only terminate in the total
destruction of Prussianism unless the
nations ut war decide on peace terms
within few months.
How many failed to appear here for
registration is unknown. The war de-
partment estimated, before registra-
tion day that one out Of every 100 ELI
gibles would not register. Perhaps
that percentage of slackerism is toe
high for Tucumcari; perhaps too low
The facts will soon he known.
Washington, d. c., June 6-Provost
marshal general Crowder today mott.
fled all governors that he had inter
preted the law to permit any who in
good faith failed to register Tuesday
to do so as soon as possible and an
nounced that liberal policy would bC
pursued to make the registration com
plete. No entirely complete returns
are expected before late today.
In every state today reports from
polling places to which some 10000,
900 young men marched yesterday t.
record their names, were being assem-
bled for transmission to the war de
partment.
The next step will be selection o.
those who actually are to bear arms
from others who remain at home be
cause of dependents or to do the wori
on the farm or in the factory.
: The men selected, about 100000 a
now estimated, will be called TO tn
: colors and put into training early il
the fall. Originally it was intended u
call only 100000 for the first draf
army to support the national guar
and regulars, but few days ago !
was announced that nearly 100000
= men would be needed on the first sc
Y lection.
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