Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-02-24

~ - aOAiANN 'f'Aih F''IN - f'.
- getting much attention, but
il had better get II.
A few days ago, Selectlve
Service announced that labor
leaders were subject 10 de-
ferment from the draft as es-
sential men IN an industry es-
sential 10 the prosecution OF the
war. l wrote a piece about that.
1t will stand another. There was
not much hue and cry.
Next came a ruling that en-
ployes of the press and radio
are also subject 10 similar de-
ferment.
II is true that II was pointed
out that this was no blanket
exemption; that the final de-
cision is in the hands of the
local board 10 whom il must be
proved that the industry is
necessary in war production or
for the national safety, health
or interest; that what the man
is personally doing is essential
TO IT'S funCtioning and that there
is no replacement supply.
DUT what good is that when
- Washington h q dquartcrS
itself advises" that the press,
radio and labor leadership are
essential to the national inter
est? That certainly takes away
that particular decision. repoSed
by law in the local boards, and
lodges it in headquarters.
The question of the individuals
being essential isn't taken away
In the same fortnight language.
But what is likely 70 be the
reaction Of the local board 10
the actual language that is used?
II is true that a case can be
made out for a great artist or
entertalner-that he amuSeS or
abstracts people and so, IN A
sorry season takes their minds
off things as unlovely as war
and slaughter and starvation.
I'VE -beSt- argument ! ever
Il heard made for that was
made in World War ! by Pavlova
in behalf of one Of her troupe.
On that same day We heard that
the great Fritz kreisler had
taken his precious fingers into
the Austrian trenches as a
simple soldier. What gratifiCa-
ton We had in answering that
telegram.
For there arc no wholly non
essential industries. There IS no
Indispensable man. The terms
are purely relative They change
as war GIBBS and flows But the
alternative 10 deferrlng one man
is 10 take another.
The one taken goes 10 the
imminent and deadly peril Of his
life and limb II is true that the
object Of not taking The other
Is that YOU think he can make A
greater contribution 10 victory
Al a lathe than with a rifle.
IT IS only j" tho governments
Il interest that the man j. taken
not in his interest Yet. he is
further removed from danger
Than his fellow and things
usually turn out, he is many
times better paid
No such terrible choice should
ever even be considered unless
the nations need for the man 10
stay A. home IS 50 clear. and The
fact that he cannot be SatiSfac-
torily replaced so plain that
there is scarcely room for argu-
ment about II II iS grim and
bitter business In which fear,
favor or interest should have no
part whatever
SO II was. with one great mis-
take. IN l917-l9lS SO IT has
been with this draft until now
That was why although these
were the most sacrificed laws
ever written IN our statutes
they were generally accepted by
all our people with scarcely one
complaint 10 the aStonlshnent
Of the world
MR. WILLIAM GREEN Of
vi AL has denied any desire
for them on the part Of labor
We should like 10 hear the same
from Mr.. Hillman. On the con-
trary. he has pressed for them.
Radio and the press would do
well also 10 decline.
For these brea c h Q : in the
foundations Of one Of the strong
cSt elements Of our national
defense are the first. We cant
let them grow without under
mining their whole structure.
Parents. relatives and friends
of rr1ru- and boys VINO arc asked
10 give up everything. and the
men and boys themselves, are
not apt 70 take lightly this kind
OF favortiSm and discrimination
in 2 matter so serious.
If you wanted 10 invent a way
10 undermine popular morale.
you would have 10 think a long
while before you could equal