The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1917-04-27

In view OF these facts Is II right to
drag these boys. bound and fettered as
they are. into the slaughter OF modern
war? Is II consistent with our form
and idea OF government to force them
to lay down their lives for the cou Il
try before they are given a voice In its
affairs? Citizenship carries with II
great sponsibilities-and serious du-
ties in q crisis-all Of which should be
bravely and earnestly shouldered. But
the privileges and powers OF citizen
ship are not available to the infant
Therefore. We have no right to demand
such service as tho firing line, whore
life itself IL the sacrifice laid upon the
altar.
We have never seen d rational rea-
son given for voting one third of the
death burden OF war upon the helpless,
voiceiess youth OF the country. Neither
do We believe the other two-thirds
should be limited to citizens OF 81 to
rs. The fact that It has been done by
other nations and even In our Civil
War. perhaps. is no Justification.
The volunteer system gives an OPP
portunity to many under 81 to enlist II
they desire. and this Is a very differ
ent proposition from conscripting
them.
As stated above, the proposed law
was dictated by military men. These
are professional warriors, They have
chosen that line deliberately and made
il their life study, thus developing the
war spirit and the severe military
ideals. In way they are thinking
along the same lines as the Kaiser. be-
cause he is tho greatest exponent of
the military crime. Militarism occu-
pies their minds and warps their view
Of our government and country; 1t is
their business-their hobby. Are we
to surrender to them our ideals and
Judgment as to every detail OF this re-
public's policies? II is up to Congress
to make our laws. II may be all right
for the Kaiser to throw the boys OF
Germany into the hell of the trenches.
A sixteen year-old boy is not more
abject slave than man of 40 in Ger
many; he has just as much voice in the
affairs OF that government as man
which is none at all. But this Is not
Germany The United States is in this
war to help crush that very thing-tho
despotism of military rule, and not to
fasten the curse Of 1t upon ourselves.
Our military men should be consulted
on all affairs pertaining TO the war, but
they ought not to be permitted to die
tate every detai.
The changes proposed will increase
the efficiency of the army. Would not
an army composed of men 81 and older
be more efficient than II 10 and 20
year-old youths were included? Isn't a
volunteer soldier as good a fighter as
a drafted man? Because Germany. the
authority on military cruelty, uses boys
In the lines is not sufficient reason for
the republic of the United States to do
so, unless the war reaches the stage
where 1t is absolutely necessary.
Congressman w. j. Fields. Of this
district, has taken a stand In favor of
making 81 the lowest age for conscrip-
ton, we are glad to say. Also. he wants
the volunteer system continued while
the conscription details are being car
ried out. He favors giving the Pres
ident full power to proceed with con-
scription and 1t Is only in these two
particulars that he asks for any change
In the administration bill. His posi-
ton is being misrepresented by some
people for evident reasons. and by 9TH
ers who do not know the truth. But
he has tho courage OF his convictions
and will not be swerved from the path
of duty and right as he sees 1t.