Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-06-13


guarding young soldiers against temptations OF
harmful nature. In an effort to further the good
cause, Mr.. Polk has sent tho communication to THE
EVENING JOURNAL, with a suggestion that It be
given publicity. We experience pleasure in complying
with his request The text Of the letter is as fol-
lows;
Council Of National Defense
Washington, May rs, 1917.
lea. pr; am very anxious to bring to the atten-
ton OF the State Councils Of Defense matter in which
they can be Of great service to the War Department
In the training campo already established be
established, large bodies Of men selected primarily
from the youth OF the country. will be gathered
gether for period of intensive discipline and training
Inc greater proportion OF this force probably will be
made up OF young men who have not yet become ac-
ousomed TO contact with either the saloon the pros
titute and who will be- that plastic and generous
period OF life when their service to their country should
be surrounded by safeguards against temptation TO
which they are not accustomed.
Our responsibility in this matter is not omen 10 cues
ton we cannot allow these young men, most of whom
will have been drafted To service to be surrounded NV
a vicious and demoralizng environment nor can we
leave anything undone which will protect them from
unhealthy influences and crude forms of temptation Not
only nave we an inesnpabe responsibility in this mat
ter to the families and communities from which these
young men are selected. but, from the standpoint OF
our duty and our determination to create efficient
army we are bound as military necessity TO do every
thing in our power to promote the health and conserve
the vitality Of the men in the training camps
am determined that our new training camps,
we'll the surrounding zones within an effective radius
shall not be places OF temptation and peril The amend
menm 10 the Army. hhl recently passed n copy Of
which enclose herewith (secons 70 and 49, give tire
War Department authority In this matter than
we previously possessed. On the other hand
not going to be able to obtain the conditions necessary
70 the health and vitality soldiers without the
full cooperation OF the local authorities in the cities
and towns near which camps located through
which our soldiers Will be passing in transit to other
| points.
VIII you give earnest consideration to this matter
in your particular State? confident that much can
be done to arouse the cities and towns TO apprec
alton or their responsibility for clean conditions and
/ would suggest that through such channels as nay
present themselves to you you impress upon these
communities their patriotic opportunity this matter
would further suggest that integral part the
war machinery your council make itself responsible
seeing that the laws Of your State of Congress in
respect TO these matters strictly enforced This
relates not only TO the established under federal
authority both the present officers training camps.
and the divisional training camps soon to be opened
but TO the more less temporary mobilization points
Of the national guard units. It relates too as have
indicated to the large centors through which soldiers
will constantly be passing in transit to other places
AS say the War Department intends to do its full
part in these matters but expect the cooperation
and support of the local committees. If the desired
end cannot otherwise be achieved propose TO move
the camps from those neighborhoods in which clean
conditions cannot be secured.
In this connection let call your attention 20
the Commission Training Camp Activities which
have organized to advise with questions relat
20 the moral hazards our training ceners as we'll
his to the promotion of rational recreation facilities
within and without the camps The members OF this
| chairman; Lee e. Hammer. Thomas J. Howels. Joseph
/ Lee Malcolm l. Mcbride John r. Mott Charles p
! NELL Major Palmer L. Pierce, U. s. A., Joseph E.
Raycroft
OF some of Its members will consult with you in regard
TO the activities which they have in hand bespealk
for them your utmost support and cooperation
Very truly yours.
(sgned) NEWTON d. BAKER
Secretary OF War and Chairman OF Council of National
Defense.