Memorandum for the Chief of Staff from the Secretary of War - August 10, 1918
Transcript
August 10, 1918. Memorandum for the Chief of Staff: (By the Secretary of War) The preparation of the Selective Service Bill was centered in the Judge Advocate General by the Secretary of War, and in the course of its preparation it was frequently the subject of conference with the Secretary, at which the Chief of Staff and the Assistant Chief of Staff were sometimes, but on the whole infrequently, present. At the outset the desire was strongly entertained to prevent the proposed legislation from encountering an unfavorable popular attitude, either by reviving recollections of the draft imposed during the Civil War or by acquiring the aspect of an invasion of the civil rights of the people of the country by the military establishment. It was at all times recognized that the object of the law was primarily to raise adequate armies, but that, in addition, it was necessary to consider many non-military matters; as, for instance, the effect of the draft upon industry and upon the domestic relations of the people of the country. It was desired also to create some atmosphere about the Act and its execution which would appeal to the proper pride of the people of the country, as the old volunteer system did without, however, bringing the train of disadvantages which would have followed an attempt to raise by volunteering the unprecedently large forces needed in this emergency. For all of these reasons, the Secretary of War, as a civilian, preserved a direct relationship in the matter, and after the Act had
Transcript
[page 2] been approved by the Congress that relationship was continued in frequent direct conferences between the Provost Marshal General and the Secretary of War on the subject of regulations, explanatory proclamations, the selection of agencies and agents; all of which went forward under the immediate and personal approval of the Secretary of War without the intervention of the Chief of Staff. The wisdom of the Selective Service Law, and the success of its execution, are primarily and principally the fruits of the zeal, intelligence and enthusiasm of the Provost Marshal General; from whom, throughout this entire emergency, the Government has had service at once brilliant in character and devoted in spirit. The Provost Marshal General is, therefore, right in his memorandum in assuming that the order of May 22nd, to which he refers, imposed upon him the execution of the Selective Service Act under the direct authority of the Secretary of War. I myself so regarded the order, and our relations with reference to its execution carried out that intention.
Details
| Title | Memorandum for the Chief of Staff from the Secretary of War - August 10, 1918 |
| Creator | Baker, Newton D. |
| Source | Baker, Newton D. Memorandum for the Chief of Staff. 10 August 1918. Crowder, Enoch H. (1859-1932), Papers, 1884-1942. C1046. The State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia, MO. |
| Description | This memorandum for the Chief of Staff concerned the preparation of the Selective Service Bill and the role of General Enoch H. Crowder. 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; Baker, Newton, 1871-1937; Draft--Law and legislation |
| 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 | August 10, 1918 |
| Language | English |