In part one of this book the author tells how the draft act was put into operation. Its success was made possible, he says, thru the cooperation of the men and women, nearly two hundred thousand strong, who made up the backbone of the selective service system. This body, composing the draft boards, “espoused the administration of an unpopular law, and not only achieved success in its execution, but popularized it as well.” In part two the author considers plans for bringing the same spirit of cooperation to bear on the present confusion. The chapters of part one are: America elects; Feeding the god of war; The volunteer system in America; Pride of tradition versus common-sense patriotism; Universal service in America; Selective service in America; How England achieved selective service; The spirit of the draft; Part two: The tasks that lie ahead; The permanency of the selective service idea; The preservation of Americanism; A plan of action; The old guard. An appendix gives General Crowder’s report as provost marshal general to the secretary of war on the demobilization of his department.
“Clearly written and very interesting historically.”
+ Booklist 16:261 My ’20
“While ‘The spirit of selective service’ contains more detail, description, and theory of the draft and its aftermath than it does ‘spirit,’ it is none the less a well written and valuable contribution to the already large collection of semi-technical post-war literature.” C. K. M.
+ Boston Transcript p4 My 26 ’20 360w
“It may be that some of its propositions are more ingenious than practicable, though it would not be easy to point them out. It may be that the writer is over-hopeful of the success of some of his plans, though he maintains generally an admirable tone of moderation. It is certain that he has, in a broad and patriotic spirit, presented most lucidly what he esteems to be the lesson of one of the greatest administrative achievements in the history of our government.”
+ No Am 211:857 Je ’20 1400w R of Rs 61:557 My ’20 120w
CROWELL, JOSHUA FREEMAN. Outdoors and in. *$1.50 Four seas co. 811
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