Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-02-16
Dr.. mor.. on Draft Glasses.
Eldora, Ia. Feb. IA, 10

EiQOra, III. REQ. II, 1SlS.
Editor Times Republican,:
In these days OF anxiety, worry, and
unjust criticism. 1t would show more
of loyalty and fairness. il much that is
said. in the effort to find fault or es-
cape from duty, should have remained
untold.
Such indeed is the frantic appeal OF
J. +. Nichols, of Winfield, Iowa, who,
as Chairman Of the executive board OF
the Iowa division OF the Farmers
Union" under his so-called move to
secure Iowa farm help" His published
statement is causing dissatisfaction
and uncalled for comment amongst
our farmers. Mr. Nichols contends,
Times Republican Feb. IL, that the
farmers in many cases. have not been
classified within the intention of the
provost marshal general. and that
many have been placed in Glass /, who
should have been placed in Class 2, or
even Glass 5. All farmers that come
under the classification of skilled
farm laborers' who have been placed
in Glass l, of the QUESTIONABLE classifi-
cation are the ones affected.
They are requested to send immedi-
ately 10 George McKelvey of Column
bus Junction, Iowa. their serial and
order number together with atfidavits
supporting their skilled farm laborer"
claim. This information must be in
Mr.. Mckelvey's hands within day
or two in order that he may send it
on to Washington, before Feb. 18th,
virtually the last day for appeals from
local district boards classification"
Now what are the facts. For the
sake of convenience let US agree that
by the term skilled farm lahorers' is
every young or single man
within the draft age who can milk
COW. handle a hoe, or can tell the diff
ference between a pumpkin and a
squash. shall be placed in Glass 2 or.
as Mr.. Nichols suggests. even In Glass
3. What would this accomplish in the
nothing.
The facts do not admit OF argument
There is not sufficient number of Glass
men now. exclusive OF the "A called
Feb. 18th, to make up a second full
quota, should a second draft be con-
sidered necessary. Again. strange as
i may appear, to some, there are but
, men in Hardin county, that have
been placed in Class >, by the district
board and but IS so far in Glass 3.
The local board therefore win be
10 take every man in Glass
and 3, at the mex draft and unless
Inc law now under consideration, is
placed in force, of drafting all young
men who have reached the age of ~
since the first registration. the ranks
IF the young married men tCIass -
Bill be invaded.
In conclusion permit me to say. the
adjoining Hardin county.
average about as we do and examina-
ion Of our records will show more ex-
anpt!ons amongst the farming ele-
nent than all other claims combined.
and while the cities or towns furnish
d seventy five per cent of the frs;
draft this percentage must OF neces-
sity be reversed should the second full
quota be called for st
In charging the scarcity of farm help
o the draft any effort TO appeal ,
rom the decision Of the district board,
VIII not avail or help matters. Again
I shoulc De renem nered that the
members of the disiric; board have
acted cohscientiousiy on all claims
ana nave certified 20 the county or To-
al board only such men as in their
Judgment produce the least and inter
ere the least with farm production.
Our district board has made mis-
axes owing to faulty papers, or lack |
II information, bat have RECONSTRUCTED |
heir action on request OF local boards, /.
Ehere an ap2lfcp. :u{uslce has been
lone.
All efforts 10 obtain a transfer from |
lass / to Glass , or ,, with the de |
sire or expectancy OF avoiding the |
iraft or helping the question of farm |
abor is therefore oov;snvlE made thru |
ignorance of the exact situation.
Yours respectfully,
NATHAN G. MORSE, |
Member Of local board for Hardin Co. |