Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-04
Parades Aid
Recruiting in
All Services
Draft Lacks Something
Without Music
BY HUGH S. JOHNSON

= a pollyanna military expert"
and obviously rejecting the
views of some high ranking Off
GERS whom he had interviewed in
a recent Swing round the cir
Gle" Of training areas.
1t left the impression OF
pretty fully equipped and trained
army. But the point that caught
my attention was its commenda-
ton of the assertion that even
residents of the training areas
are not aware of the thousands
of soldiers so close at hand.
! don't question the accuracy
OF this except as TO equipment
and training, but when official
assertions are so freely made
that the people don't know there
is war going on, there is
good deal TO question in its wis
dom.
THERE is something to be said
Il in its favor. Too many pa
rades interfere with much
needed training. If you start
turning the boys out for one
community you get in dutch II
you don't comply with every re-
quest.
Finally. these new long. mo-
torized columns block traffic
through towns and cities more
than foot or horse troops.
On the other hand, there are
few things more inspiring than
regiments on the march with
colors flying and bands playing.
Almost from time immemorlal
il has been the best recruiting
mechanism the power and the
majesty Of the nation in an en-
bodlment that can be seen and
heard and not avoided
Primitive ballyhoo? Yes. per-
haps. but so is war primitive. SO
is enthusiasm. Parades have
distinct and valuable function
in preparing the national mind
for war.
Some with whom ! have talked
say the buSlneSSlike. modern ef-
ficiency of the draft has taken
away the need for any such
thing. We did no, find II so in
1918 when for the first time. the
draft was tried on A people Al
first Skcptical or absolutely OPP
q posed 10 any such idea. and, IN
large part, opposed 10 the war
itself.
WE DELIBERATELY made
w great and ceremonial occa-
sion out Of the departure Of each
draft contingent 10 Camp-with
bands. flowers. committees Of
honor and parades until Al the
last the volunteers departed I'M
noticed and the draft became a
very popular institution.
Then we stopped volunteering
altogether. II is absolutely in
consistent with every basic prin-
ciple Of the draft.
This time certain high Off
Gals. including the whole navy.
do not see that. | understand
that among these is the PrcSi-
dents better half - our First
Lady.
l was told that she had heard
somewhere that man holding
third mates certificate had
been drafted and sent 10 the
infantry which. she said. over
the radio. did not make sense.
She should check her informa-
ton more carefully.
That man could have enlisted
in the merchant marine or the
navy. had he so desired, up 10
the day OF his induction. After
that he had 10 be sent 10 the
army because the navy won't
accept drafted men which is.
Of itself. a serious lack Of team
play and Indifference 10 a
proper classification Of man
power.
is Is only one indication Of a
Il fine political fight which
seems 10 he in course Of prep
aration for General Hershey'S
department.
Up to recently he had done
an almost perfect Job Now
several departments Of govern
ment want a finger in its pie.
Movie and radio actors and Of
fcialS, labor leaders, news
papermen and thousands IN
government clerical Jobs can
all be deferred as indispensable.
This was the work Of pres
sure groups close in the White
House confidence With Mrs.
Roosevelt 10 lead them, there
is grave danger that they will
take the ball clear away from
General Hershey.
All these happenings are
pretty much on the huSh-hush
side-like the display Of troops.
II makes one wonder IN all
these cases If there really is
something 10 cover up.
! think not, but ! know the
public is becoming increasingly
impatient and skeptiCal II
isn't a healthful atmosphere in
which TO prepare for war.
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