Valdez daily prospector., 1917-12-07
THINKS DRAFT
 BE PERMANENT
Gen. CrOwIier Says COnscription Fea- ture of Government Principles
 From Now On

 France will bring glorious victory to the arms of the United States. Pro vost General Crowder declared re- gently in a statement of the ainS. ac- complishments and future of the sell ective draft system. After reviewing present conditions and necessities, Gen. Crowder predicted that the con- scription system would become per manent part of the governmental sys- tenn for war.
 Every precaution possible has been taken with the new draft regulations, Gen Crowder said. to conserve eco- homie interest. but the paramount duty of the country is to raise an ef- fective fighting force.
 We are committed to this war, :. the general continued, "and we ought to fight it in the most effective fash ion possible to us. The necessity of raising an army is paramount. The decrease in the labor supply must be ad djusted in some way other than by shutting off recruitment. That it can be adjusted there is no question. Must Maintain Balance
 "The problem is not to maintain the labor supply of agricultural and every industry intact. It is to make withdrawal of man in the most scien- tific manner possible. I think we have done that and what is offered here Is the basis for a nice balance between our two necessities.
 But we shall not, under that, con- fine our participation in this conflict to the baking of bread and the sharp ening of the swords of other meh.
 This war will be won militarily on the devoted fields of France. Doubtless it will be won by the side which is able to place behind its army the prevailing ounce of provision.
 But the blow that shatters the German line and extinguishes auto- cracy from the face of the earth will be the blow of a mans right arm and not the insiduous stroke of a shrewd trader"
 General Crowder pays high tribute to the zeal and patriotism of more than 3O,O00 men who compose the machinery of the selective system. With but ten weeks for the task. the first national army increment of 687,- 900 men was drawn, he says, by a nation moving breathlessly, SUD- ported by the governors of the States and by the members of the selection boards with a patriotism. devotion and unselfish zeal that remains an in- spiration."
 System Was Faulty But the system itself was lacking he adds. We hacked the first incre- ment of our armies with broad axe because there was time for no greater refinement. We must pare future in. crements away with greater discrimi' nation. The selective system must be carried to it's logical conclusion and we must meet Prussian efficiency with greater American effectiveness"
 In conclusion General Crowder as serts that the volunteer method of raising armies is gone forever. 1 "The principle of selection has been tried and proved by our people," he adds. "I am led to believe that they approve it with substantial unanim- ity.
 "The principle of selection is estab- lished. The system of selection inn proved as we can improve it must become and remain a permanent part of our governmental system for war.
 "It is for this reason that I say we are standing not at the portals of a past but rather at the threshold of future"