Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-05-01

III Ietter to Sec. futile War
Committee Outlines y
&; Alarming Need.

hi war personnel OF tne =. M. y
A. says that the staff situation IN Eu-
roneYis alarming, in a letter just re-
ceiyed by Harry H. futile, secretary
Of the association here.
The letter, one Of several sent to
general secretaries throughout
April %. 1918.
An important communication from
the VA personnel board. A. G. kneb-
Ell, executive secretary. to all general
secretaries Of Young Mems Christian
associations.
The following cable has just reach
cd US from Mr.sFCarter from his head
quarters In Paris:
aAmerican work personnel situation
is alarming. Never more thai at pres
emit More than hundred points entire
liz uncovered. Can we depend upon
YOU speedily make up all arrears and
keep up full monthly quota. In order
to do the necessary d to all former
estimates eighteen per cent on &C
count Of workers returning at termi-
nation of contract"
This cable was preceded by another
received some ten days 6 which
reads: - =
Situation Alarming.
situation is alarming. Delay in.
~creasing through understanding OF
American work"
Thus means that we will need to
secure practically 1900 men per
month for overseas service for the
next three months, these men to be
distributed between h American ex-
peditionary forces in France, the
American expeditionary forces in
England. the French army and the
Italian army. I am very glad to re-
port, however. that a limited number
Of cities are facing their responsible
ty and opportunity in a wonderful
way. Their recruiting committees are
alert and in a few Of h cities the
come SO great that, it has necessitated
assigning a man for the next few
months to give his entire time to re-
cruitfng in the cities n immediate
vicinity. It seems to US that at least
two very simple things may be done
by every association secretary in this
country.
IN some of The cities the recruit
ingsScommittee is SO thoroughly or
ganized that various representatives
are related to the chamber of COM
merce, Rotary and City clubs and 9TH
er activities including church organ
izations, The resources in the num-
Der of men who are available is UNI
limited. We have not been getting the
men DoCaUSe the responsibility mas
not been sufficiently distributed. I'm
der the new plan of personnel organ
ization, which has bee in operation
now for several months, the mistakes
Of the past are being ren1edied and
it is now up to each local association
totmeet its full obligation and furnish
regular some Of the very best men in
the community for war work overseas
and in American camps.
Recruiting Under Way.
THE six military departments have
perfected their personnel organiza-
ton and recruiting plans are in op-
GRAFTON. Doubtless you are fully IA
mf1iar with these plans and I assume
you are fully informed as to plans OF
your department in the matter q re-
cruiting. II not, may I suggest that
YOU get in immediate touch with the
secretary in which department your
association is located? We are facing
the most critical hour since the
Young Mems Christian association
entered upon its. program of war
work. At the present rate we are Sc
curing only about forty percent of the
men who are actually needed. and
unless there is united cooperation
from all the associations throughout
the country we will not up
to- the task. The men are in the coun-