New York American,
New York City.

Equal rights entail equal duties. But men there be who boldly assert their rights and shrewdly forget their duties.

A decent respect for the principle of equality of right and of responsibility demands that in providing an army for the common defense selections should be made upon the basis of a common liability. No sane person would propose to finance the war with volunteer subscriptions. Even in times of war money must be accorded the equal protection of the law. But the volunteer system of raising an army works a tragic discrimination against manhood. The flower of our youth present their bodies as a living sacrifice to their country, while baser breeds remain at home and propagate the race. The burning injustice of such a system is surpassed only by its nauseating stupidity. Men should be selected for service upon the basis of natural fitness. To be so called to the colors ought, and, when properly understood, will be considered a nation’s stamp of distinction.

T. W. Bickett,
Governor.