Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1918-06-15
DIRECTORS

The district Exemption Board has placed Gustavus
S. Paine Christian Scientist of Reno in Class One fol-
lowing his application for military exemption upon the
ground that he religious teacher. Arguments were
presented for and against the applicant and the board
doubt acted advSedy upon every phase of the We
not familiar with the details of the application nor
with the final disposition of those details but are ia
miar with Paine personality and characteristics we'll
He the sort of whom would expect to refuse his
services to his country who mpresses one with
idea that ne is sort of weak sister, man without
force strength of character We not attempting be-
it known to saddle his personality upon his religious be-
efs to argue that because he is Christian Scientist
that he is weak character Religion has had nothing to-
do with his physical moral makeup His belief in the
principles of Mary Baker Eddy has served him only in
the capacity of an excuse for evadng military service
Upon two prior occasions Paine has used the teach
ngS Of Christian Science the foundation for arguments
upon many doubtful questions that is doubtful so far
hewas concerned For instance he sent out letter
requesting its publication which purported to be argu
ment against the employment of trained in the
Eko public schools during the height of the various cpl
denies which visited during the early part of this
Whether the principles of Christian Science supported
the view which he took do not pretend to decide for
not familiar enough with the teaching of Miss
Eddy to pass opinion. Besides what attempt
ing to do to point out the fact that Paine really
not entitled to military exemption because of the fact that
he is religious teacher he be classed with what
are officially know as conscientious DIRECTORS"
Paine at the time we knew him, and presume that
at the present time the same true occupied position
upon the English teaching staff of the Nevada State Uni
versity From that position he secured his livelihood
so appearances would indicate In addition to his
ton with the teaching staff Of the college, however, he is
of the heirs to the Swift millions being relative Of
the head Of the big packing Regardless of his
present attitude upon religion he has seriously
dertaen the work of teaching any of its preceps work
that he is financially well able to undertake he
inclined His activity along the lines of Christian Science
has been but superficial compared to the activity that
he would have the public believe his for all present
purposes Our present idea of the teachings of Miss Ed
dy altho it is by no means irrefutabe for have
said before not really familiar with them is that
Christian Scientist cannot be classed "a conscenti-
Gus objector" An abiding conviction against is not
of the beliefs of the church, if it is there great
many Christian Scientists who not abiding by those
principles, for the army of America holds many of
these folk within its ranks Panes avoidance of military
service strikes arising solely and simply from his
own aversion to fighting the of liberty His state
of mind is the result of his physical fear not Of
welfQnded aversion to strife He is type of "consci
entous objector however in of the word That
conscientious objection arises solely through fear and
lack of patriotism. He would make poor soldier weak
buwark for the protection of loved at home
Perhaps it would be as well were the board to allow him
to remain In Class Five For the principle Of the thing
however, believe that the District Exemption Board
has acted wisely in calling his bluff.