Letter to General Enoch H. Crowder - June 12, 1918
Transcript
June 12, 1918 Provost Marshall Crowder; Dear Sir:- How do you expect me to provide for my dependants if you are going to pass laws forbidden me to make my livelihood in the only occupation which I am fitted for. I have supported my family for ten years as a clerk. I know no other kind of work & I am not fit to do physical labor. Is this what you call Democracy? If so
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thing like this. Prevent a man from earning his living. Also why put this whole war upon the shoulders of a few. Those who registered in the draft are certainly being persecuted. While those a few years older with no dependents take life easy. Play a fair game here if you want those on the other side to believe your twaddle about Fair Play to all Nations. It was just this kind of bunk which turned the Russians against us
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If only those between 21 & 31 are good enough to fight then they should be the only ones good enough to vote & hold office. If I was a Ball Player I would be all right. I could then go into the Ship yard league Oh! for the graft. If the government is going to stop me from earning a living in the only way I know Why should I worry what happens to the government. They care nothing for me If this is the Nations war then let all able too, fight it. Not a certain class of men between certain ages. A friend of mine 33 years old who has
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Absolutely no one dependent upon him, simply says. I not in the draft so they can all go to hell. Fine, hey for a married man to listen to. I heard another remark that the women could go on the street & that those not in the draft would look after them. Are you going to sit in your office & let things like this go & help some by throwing us men out of work who are making an honest living. You cant get all the men you need without dependents upon them if you would only make the age 21 to 50.
Details
| Title | Letter to General Enoch H. Crowder - June 12, 1918 |
| Creator | Unknown |
| Source | Unknown. Letter to General Enoch H. Crowder. 12 June 1918. Crowder, Enoch H. (1859-1932), Papers, 1884-1942. C1046. The State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia, MO. |
| Description | Letter written to General Enoch H. Crowder from a young married man of draft age complaining about the draft law. This document is part of a collection compiled by Enoch Herbert Crowder, the Edinburg, Grundy County, Missouri native who served as Judge Advocate General. Crowder devised the Selective Service Act in 1917 which drafted America's forces during World War I. |
| Subject LCSH | Crowder, E. H. (Enoch Herbert), 1859-1932; World War, 1914-1918--Public opinion; Draft |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Selective Service Act of 1917; Selective Draft Act |
| Site Accession Number | C1046 |
| Contributing Institution | The State Historical Society of Missouri |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the State Historical Society of Missouri: 1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65201-7298. (573) 882-7083. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | June 12, 1918 |
| Language | English |