The Colorado statesman., 1917-05-26


shal general has made public concern
ing the plans of office he has empha-
sized the fact that it is the intention
of the law that as little hardships as
possible shall be worked upon the coun-
try. The law in effect is self-execut-
ing, and nothing except misunderstand-
ing on the part of officials and of the
people themselves will Interfere to pre-
vent the harmonious working out of
the plan as 1t has been formulated.
Questions by the thousands have
been asked of the war department, by
the people since the selective con-
scription act first was proposed. All
these questions have been turned over
for answer to the Office of the provost
marshal general. Personal replies in
every case have been impossible. An
attempt has been made to make an
swer through the press.
No Favoritism to Be Shown.
The first anxiety of the people of the
United States seemed to concern itself
with the possibility that some moth
er's son was to escape, while another
mothers son was to be made TO serve.
Some mothers sons will escape while
others will serve, but there will be no
favoritism shown in the matter.
All of the men between the age
limit fixed will not be needed for the
service. Many of them will be exempt
because of the nature of their employ
ment, or because they have persons de-
pendent upon them for their livelihood
When the names of all those who are
liable to service are known, the selec-
tions will be made by lot. One moth
er's son may be more fortunate in the
lottery than another mothers son, but
later the other mothers son may be
obliged to go.
Enoch ii. Crowder, provost marshal
general of the United States, is grad
uate of the United States Military
academy of the year 1881. He was
born in Missouri, and was appointed to
West Point from that state. Early in
his service he was a cavalry officer
and a distinguished one. He stud
led law and entered the judge advo-
cate generals department of the army.
He was made judge advocate general
in 1911.
Results of War Conferences.
What has been accomplished as
tween the British and the Ameri-
can officials? The answer briefly
might be Everything has been
accomplished" Money matters, ma.
terial matters and men matters have
been arranged to the joint satisfaction
of Britishers and Americans and in
this joint partnership of satisfactory
agreements must be included the
French commissioners.
The only secrecy, so far as the coun-
try knows, which has been maintained
in connection with the visit of the
British mission concerns itself natural
ly with army and navy projects. II
seems to be assured, however, that
the military members of the British
commission are convinced that Amer
ica will enter into the war after man
ner entirely to the liking of the mill
tary authorities of Great Britain and
France.
So far as naval matters are con-
cerned, it is pretty well known that
a plan of cooperation has been agreed
upon by American, French and Brit
ish sea experts. What this plan will
prove to be the American people will
know only when operations begin. 1t
includes, of course, first and foremost,
a working plan to make further opera
tions of the German submarines
abortive.
There is n feeling of confidence in
official circles in Washington, which
is so marked that the laity is affected
by it, that plans for what may be
called grand strategy at sea have been
formulated by the British, French and
American officers of high service.
The American people know all about
the money arrangements which have
been made to the eminent satisfaction
and deep gratitude of the visiting com
missions. Money makes armies and
navies go just as surely as the proverb
assures us that it makes the mare go.
Must Hurry ShipbuiIding.
The shipping problem is still a vex-
ing one, not because the planning has
gone away, but because of the un-
avoidable delay in getting the ships
built. The Americans have taken
over the German ships and this will
help to some extent, but some definite
scheme of speeding up construction Is
the one thing lacking to make the sit
uation what the visitors and the home
folk would like it to be.
The British and the French visitors
fulfilled to the outermost limit their
promise that they would give advice
based on their own experience, If such
advice were asked. 1t was asked, and
today the officials of the state, war,
navy, treasury, commerce and labor
departments of the United States gov
ernment have before them all, the les
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