William: "Do you mean to say that you are really going to do something?"
The day here named is the time upon which all shall present themselves for assignment to their tasks. It is for that reason destined to be remembered as one of the most conspicuous moments in our history. It is nothing less than the day upon which the manhood of the country shall step forward in one solid rank in defense of the ideals to which this nation is consecrated. It is important to those ideals no less than to the pride of this generation in manifesting its devotion to them, that there be no gaps in the ranks.
From President Wilson's Proclamation
of the Draft Law, May 18, 1917.
John Bull: "A hearty welcome! Come in, Mate."
Sir Edward Carson was the chief speaker at a luncheon given at Princes Restaurant on the 17th inst., by the Navy League to the chairman and committee of the Navy League of the United States. The gathering was representative of the British Parliament and Navy, and several American Naval officers were among the guests.
The Duke of Buccleuch, who presided, gave the toasts of "The King" and "The President of the United States."
Mr. Irwin Laughlin (Councillor to the United States Embassy), in responding, expressed regret that the Ambassador was unable to be present. He would like to say, in thanking his Grace for the very flattering and agreeable words he had been good enough to utter in regard to the President, and the alliance, that he was sure both the President and the Ambassador felt that the binding force of any alliance sprang not from a matter of treaties, but from a reciprocal confidence in mutual aims.
British Admiralty, Official,
May 22, 1917.
Tommy: "Look here, Bill, here's a bit of old Hindenburg's line."
Sir Douglas Haig, who has never yet made a premature claim of success, has been able to announce that ten miles of the vaunted Hindenburg line have passed into the possession of his gallant troops. The Germans say that "there is no Hindenburg line," and in one respect at least they are correct. Our Special Correspondent, in a despatch published in this issue, declares that the Hindenburg line is "now undiscoverable." The attacking forces gained possession of a very long stretch of pulverized ground, but the line itself had been battered out of recognition.
The Times, May 25, 1917.
A GOOD START
A brief résumé of what the United States have accomplished during the seven weeks which have elapsed since they entered the war may not be without interest as demonstrating America's complete participation in the war and her ability to give immediate and powerful aid.
A selective Draft Bill which will ultimately give an Army of 2,000,000 men has passed Congress, and will be put into operation forthwith. The loan legislation has passed Congress, and the law is already in operation with prospects of the greatest success; $750,000,000 has already been advanced to the Allies.
British Press Bureau,
May 27, 1917.
