LOWER DRAFT AGE

Rumors frequently claim that the draft limit will be lowered to nineteen years. Although European countries call for men below majority, we have been reluctant to follow their example, chiefly because younger men are not sufficiently developed. If the present system turns out the best possible army, and continues to do so, we gain by it. If, however, there is doubt as to its durability, or if men under age are as good soldiers, it seems fair to summon the latter, especially since they are less likely to have dependents. There are many between nineteen and twenty-one who have finished their education, but not really started their life work. Proof of equal ability, or a scarcity of older draftees, will bring them into the army.

In case of a reduction in the age limit, colleges would probably suffer most of all. The student body would be composed largely of the unfit. We dislike the idea of such a contingency, for we feel that colleges are of vital importance to a country, especially in time of war. Here are developed many of those who will become national leaders, as well as military officers. But as Professor Johnston points out, the present time demands drastic action. If the Government needs men nineteen years of age, the colleges must make an additional sacrifice.

They have given their students generously and they shall continue to do this in the future. The main consideration must be how the colleges can best serve the nation. Some such scheme of organization as Professor Johnston proposes sounds like efficient service. The lowering of the draft age is still a thing of the future, but we may well plan our course of action now.