Evening star., 1941-08-14
The Political Mill
Republicans Criticized for Playing Politics
In Voting Against Draft Extension

its votes in opposition to a ma
tional defense measure is mex
cusable. 1t may think that 1t is
laying up treasures In heaven,
for the future-such as public
resentment against heavy taxes
and against retention of men in
military life. 1t may even realize
on these issues at some later eiec-
ton. But it certainly was not
thinking of the safety of this
country, nor of its real interest
at this time.
SpeclouS arguments were ad-
vanced by opponents of the bill,
arguments that to keep the
draftees beyond year would be
in violat ton of pledge contained
in the original Draft Act. The act
contains no such pledge. The
most cursory reading of the law
shows that Congress clearly said
that if the national interest was
imperiled. Congress by so saying
could authorize the President to
keep the draftees in service in
definitely. The argument was
made, too, that if the Army was
kept intact, it would be a clear
indication that this country was
preparing to enter the European
war. Nothing of the kind. For
nearly two years these Repub-
lican leaders have been insisting
that the present administration
was doing its best to drag the
country into war. The proof of
any pudding is in the eating. The
country is not at war. But it
certainly is better prepared than
it was to face any attack that is
made against it. q,
SiXty-five Democrats joined the
Republicans in voting against the
service extension bill. They, too,
must bear the blame of the big
vote which was cast in opposi-
ton. But the Democratic party
generally and its leadership
staunchly supported the measure.
When the vote was announced,
it showed that 1872 Democrats
voted for the bill.
Black Spot on Escutcheen.
The Republicans not only voted
against any extension of the
period of military service. They
also voted against removing the
limitation of 100000 placed on
the number of draftees who may
be taken into the service at any
one time. The Army at present
has something less than 100000
men. If the full number of
draftees under the 900 1000 limita-
ton were taken into the service
1t would have less than 1900, 900.
Considering the size of the
armies which are modified in
the Axis nations, this is ridicu-
lousy small number if this coun-
try is to be called upon to defend
not only the American people
but also the Western Hemisphere.
The Republican leadership has
not yet declared itself opposed to
the defense of the Western
HemispAere-to an abrogation of
the Monroe Doctrine, It might
as we'll have done so. however, as
to Join in the attack against a
larger army.
True, this country is not yet at
war, nor has the western Hen1i-
sphere yet been attacked. The
Republicans doubtless will say
that If war comes they will
quickly support measures to en-
large the military forces. Soldiers
are not made in day, or a
month, or even a year. Not in
these days of warfare, with
modern weapons. Preparations
that are made too late are as
bad or worse than making no
preparations at all.
Maybe the Republican party
will garner votes in the congress
sional elections next year be-
cause of it's stand in Congress on
this defense measure-although
that is still doubtful. But whether
they do or not. its representatives
have left a black spot on the
party's escutcheon.