USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Indiana in the War; an address by Hon. E.C. Toner, delivered Oct. 25, 1918 at the Lincoln Hotel, Indianapolis, Ind > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Including the national guard of 10,471 men, the volunteers sent to the marines, the regular army and navy, and the se- lective enlisted men under the War Department's draft, In- · diana has sent upwards of 140,000 men to the colors.
Besides those contributed to active service, Indiana raised and drilled an extra regiment of artillery for the national guard and offered it to the Federal Government. For some unknown reason this regiment was rejected as a unit, but its membership has very largely gone into active service through individual volunteer enlistment.
Thirty-eight companies of State militia have been organ- ized and are steadily training and on the alert to make the State safe during the war period. So efficient is this body that it is recognized as a school for soldiers who are preparing to go into the United States army. Men from the Indiana State militia are winning promotion in many army camps. In this activity Indiana leads.
Indiana has not stopped here. She has organized two hun- dred companies of the Liberty Guards for duty at home.
As a result of these factors of home defense, there is ample security against any disorder in the State and there is being builded an invaluable recruiting field of trained men for future service.
CONSCRIPTION.
No phase of the war has been more important than the registration, examination, classification and selection of the new national army under the selective draft law. The work
15
of General E. H. Crowder, Provost Marshal of the United States under this law, stands out as one of the really brilliant accomplishments of the war administration. General Crowder, himself an efficient and painstaking officer, has of- ficially recognized the high character of the Indiana adminis- tration of the selective draft law and the splendid co-operation he has received from Indiana's conscription agents. These agents were appointed upon recommendation of Governor Goodrich.
In a letter dated June 10, 1918, General Crowder said :
"Investigations made by this office disclose the fact that the daily telegraphic reports of induction to this office are not complete or up to date. Some States are very near perfection, notably Indiana and Pennsyl- vania, but many States are not promptly furnishing satisfactory reports."
Thus it seems that Indiana has measured up fully to her war responsibilities in one more important respect.
In a letter dated July 12, 1918, General Crowder had this to say of the administration of the selective draft law in Indiana :
"Major H. W. Adams has returned recently to this office from a trip through the Middle West, during which he took occasion to visit various State head- quarters.
"The report which he has made with reference to the operation of the selective service system in Indiana is peculiarly gratifying. It appears that, from the in- ception of the draft, a high standard of administration has been set in your State, and that Major Baltzell, the present executive, is ably maintaining the standard."
In the way of volunteers, both to the army and navy and in the administration of the draft, Indiana has led the nation.
The same traditional Hoosier spirit of loyalty and patriot- ism that put Indiana first and foremost in the number of sol- diers and sailors furnished in the war for the Union ; the same spirit that made Indiana loyal to the cause of the United States in the war against Spain and for the liberation of Cuba, rules today in Indiana. As evidence of the Indiana spirit in action, witness the facts :
16
The nrst American soldier killed in battle in France was an Indiana man, Corporal James Bethel Gresham, of Evans- ville.
The first shot fired against the Germans by an American gunner was fired by Sergeant Alex Arch, of South Bend, a Hoosier soldier.
So it is that not only in war activities back of the line, but also in the actual fighting, out there on the front, Indiana is first and foremost.
WORK OF STATE COUNCIL OF DEFENSE.
In less than three weeks after the United States Congress declared a state of war existed between this nation and the despoilers of Belgium, the Council of National Defense, a legally constituted body that had been in existence for eight months, assumed auxiliary direction of this country's prepara- tion for an effective participation in the struggle. Pursuant to a request from the President, the Secretary of War, as chairman of the National Council of Defense, addressed to each of the forty-eight Governors the request that the States be organized after the fashion of the Federal body. This re- quest, as every other that has come from headquarters, was construed as a military command by Governor Goodrich, and in less than thirty days, the Indiana State Council of Defense had been appointed, called together and organized. Will H. Hays, of Sullivan, was made chairman, and the wisdom of that selection has been attested by a record of achievement unsurpassed.
The organization of the Indiana State Council of Defense and the work done by that body under the inspiration and di- rection of Governor Goodrich and the chairman, Will H. Hays. have within themselves been enough to place Indiana in the front rank of states from the viewpoint of real and potential service in this crisis.
Only a short time ago the Washington authorities indi- cated the opinion that the Indiana organization is one of the most efficient State Councils of Defense in the country, and it has served as a working model to less progressive States. Frank I. Carruthers, of Colorado, editor of the Great Divide,
17
sent to Indiana to study defense work as exemplified by Hoosier Workers, said :
"We in Colorado have been told many times that In- diana leads and supplies the model Defense Council for the other States."
Secretary of War Baker, in a letter to Will H. Hays, chair- man, said :
"The work of the Indiana Council has been partic- ularly gratifying. More power to you."
This official recognition of Indiana's aggressive loyalty and patriotie service was made October 16, 1917, and was brought out by the demonstrations, repeatedly noted, of Indiana's re- markable efficiency in every war activity.
Meredith Nicholson, so well known to the people of this State, paid a fine tribute to the Governor's war administra- tion and the work of the State Council of Defense, at the meet- ing of editors held in connection with the war conference on Dec. 14, 1917. Mr. Nicholson said : J
"It is a privilege as it is a pleasure to have an op- portunity to testify to the intelligence and vigor with which Governor Goodrich has addressed himself to the business of putting Indiana on a war footing. If the Council of Defense of this loyal commonwealth isn't the best, the most energetic and enlightened in the Union, I should like to hear of another that approaches it for character and range of its work. Every citizen of this State is indebted to Mr. Will H. Hays, the chairman of the State Council, for the zeal and effectiveness with which he has organized our war work, and for the great patriotic awakening of our people to which he has con- tributed in so great measure. As a Democrat, I am glad to express my appreciation of what the Republican State administration has done, and what the Repub- lican chairman of the State Council is doing to mobilize Indiana resources. I'm disposed to be pretty critical of my neighbors' Americanism in these times, but if there's a sounder American between the two oceans than Bill Hays I confess that I don't know where to lay my hand on him. He's a Republican, but first of all he's an American citizen. He has neglected nothing that could add to the strength of Indiana's arm or to the realization by all her people that this is our war, a
2-44903
18
war for the defense of those principles of freedom and democracy that are rooted deep in the Hoosier earth that our fathers won for us and fought and saved under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln."
In other ways the national authorities have testified to the splendid efficiency, loyalty and industrious devotion of the In- diana war workers led by a Republican Governor and by a Republican chieftain, Will H. Hays, formerly Indiana State Chairman of the Republican party, and now Republican Na- tional Chairman.
Now what is the Indiana State Council of Defense? Let me say that no more representative body was ever assembled in the State capitol for any purpose. In the personnel of the State Council, Governor Goodrich emphatically demonstrated his qualifications for leadership and responsibility. For so democratic, so cosmopolitan, so able did this council prove, in the conception of its duty and the execution of its purposes, that it has been universally applauded, commended and sus- tained. .
In the State Council are represented, as there should be represented, the business, labor and professional interests of the State, the public utilities, common carriers and women. They all have a common task, and an equal voice. The council includes trusted leaders of the people, men and a woman, who are conscious of their responsibility to the State and nation in this crisis. None has ever dared question the unselfish mo- tives of the council, and only the most bigoted partisan has ever sought to detract from the highmindness of the mem- bers, who have served faithfully and efficiently, all without pay.
For the work of more than twenty who have been in- cluded in the council since its formation (death and resigna- tions having affected its membership in sixteen months) not one has ever received one cent of reward and all have paid their own expenses, some coming more than 100 miles and de- voting one entire day each week to the discharge of their re- sponsibilities.
In the organization of the Indiana Council of Defense poli- tics was ignored. The first chairman, Will H. Hays, was
.
19
chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, but he was appointed because of his great vision and his exceptional organizing ability. When he resigned, Michael E. Foley, a leading Democrat, was appointed to succeed him. Mr. Foley has been a very worthy successor to Mr. Hays, and this is enough of a compliment to pay any man. The membership chances to have an equal representation of both the great political parties.
It is the thought of Governor Goodrich that when we are involved in war and when our institutions are in peril the ad- ministration should forget politics and should call to the State's aid every available power regardless of whence it comes. This is the essence of what we denominate a "coali- tion" government, and such a government is represented com- pletely and successfully in our State Council of Defense. In- cidentally I can't fail to suggest that the thought, if adopted more generally at Washington, would inure greatly to the winning of the war.
And what has the Indiana State Council of Defense done? Generally speaking, it has organized the men, money, ma- terials and resources of the State on a war basis.
What does this mean ?
In the first instance, it means that the Indiana State Coun- cil must interpret for the people the significance of the new situation-our nation at war, against the most determined, desperate and resourceful people that have ever sought to en- slave the world. It involved an educational campaign that would serve to rally the thousands of Indiana citizens whose minds have been poisoned by insidious propaganda, to a com- plete understanding of the righteousness of the nation's cause, and a 100 per cent loyalty in support thereof.
This was not all. It meant more. It meant that every ounce of strength, of energy, of enthusiasm, of wealth, and of influence be brought into effective participation in the war program. There had to be a complete mobilization and a com- plete co-ordination of these forces. Indiana had to apply to the ends of war the full volume of her strength and it had to apply it with the minimum duplication of effort and the mini- mum waste.
20
There was appointed in each of the ninety-two counties a County Council of Defense. At the direction of Governor Goodrich these appointments were made by the judges of the circuit courts of the State. It was a specific request of the Governor in connection with these appointments that of a minimum membership of seven there be at least one woman and at least one representative of labor. And so through the County Councils, National and State bodies may communi- cate directly to the people.
It has since been found desirable to extend the defense or- ganizations into the townships with units as small as the school district.
The greater machinery thus provided, has justified the difficulties experienced in converting the "what's the use type" who were then classed as near patriots, and who now see the light and are struggling toward it.
Indiana is now organized down to the grass roots. Daily, the State has been doing the imppossible. The County Coun- cils, true to their preconceived purpose, are functioning one hundred per cent.
One of the first things that had to be done was to create an understanding and approval of the army conscription law. This radical departure from traditional policy was the source of no little misgiving and doubt among the peace officers of the State. Memories of an unpleasant nature were conjured up by the word "draft," and some concern obtained lest there be riotous opposition when the first registration came.
What happened ?
Thanks to the good offices of these County Councils of De- fense, many of them not yet out of their swaddling clothes, registration day was consecrated by such a spiritual outpour- ing of patriotism that the success of the system was guaran- teed.
Then, these Councils of Defense, co-operating with the local boards, assisted in ferreting out the slackers.
No sooner were the smaller units of the organization com- pleted than they were put to work. As their chores increased in number, their strength developed until by the time the more important duties presented themselves, there was in every
21
instance the instrumentality in the County Council of Defense by which it was promptly and satisfactorily accomplished.
In each county, the County Council of Defense nominated a Federal food administrator, who like themselves, assumed tremendous responsibilities with possibly scant appreciation and even less pay. They rallied around this food adminis- trator and gave him courage and strength.
Governor Goodrich recognized the certainty of a fuel crisis long before the Federal Government was aroused to the situa- tion. The County Councils were notified and urged with suc- cess the preparation of available timber which afterward proved their sole fuel supply.
As requested later, the County Councils of Defense nomi- nated the County Federal Fuel Administrators and have since, without exception, stood loyally by them in all the vicissitudes of their extremely tortuous work.
In like manner, the County Councils have co-operated in the enforcement of the Federal law regulating the possession, sale, manufacture and use of explosives.
By assuming supervision over the collection of money for war benevolence, the County Councils have prevented frauds and indirectly served to stimulate giving to the recognized legitimate relief agencies.
Every County Council of Defense has named a county di- rector of the United States Boys' Working Reserve, a depend- able source of productive labor that has justified its right to recognition and support from all who are sincere in their sympathies with our agricultural problems.
Every County Council of Defense, too, has named a di- rector of the United States Public Service Reserve which is the recruiting branch of the United States Employment Service. the organization charged with providing the man-power for our war industries.
In every county there has been named a committee whose business has been to tender to enlisted men and their depend- ants free legal aid and advice. As a result of the intervention of the County Councils of Defense, the shylocks, the jacklegs and the grafters have been diverted to other prey and the boys at the front given assurance that their legal rights are pro-
22
tected, and their property secure from the buzzards who had anticipated a feast.
. Then under the direction of the County Councils, women were registered voluntarily, with a view to having an index for Uncle Sam in the event the emergency shall call into ac- tive service those who no longer deserve to be called "the weaker sex."
The children, too, were canvassed and the first great step in national reconstruction taken. Provision was made where needed, for medical and hospital service, and I know Indiana will in the coming generation profit immeasurably by the citi- zenship of thousands whom statistics show would have died from the diseases prevented by this year's campaign.
After having produced wonderful war gardens, the citi- zens of Indiana were educated to consume and conserve these perishable crops, through the propaganda for which County Councils of Defense were responsible. Every crop campaign, every effort to stimulate live stock production, improvements in quality, or conservation that has characterized the magic of Indiana's record for two years, was either original with the County Councils of Defense, or under their auspices, encour- aged and supported.
Recognizing the need for the protection of life and prop- erty, such as is afforded only by the presence of trained mili- tary forces, the County Councils of Defense fostered the new State militia which is a creditable successor to the regiments now winning new glory for Indiana in Picardy and Lorraine.
County Councils, too, have been the godparents to the Liberty Guard companies, the most convincing evidence of Hoosier patriotism that has yet been volunteered.
County Councils of Defense have supported regularly con- stituted peace officers to take such steps as the emergency justified, notwithstanding these steps might have been unusual and extra legal in some cases. But the people approved, for they have confidence in the County Councils, firm in the con- viction that nothing of a partisan, personal or selfish character has ever been permitted to mar the noble unselfishness of the record.
And all these county activities have been inspired and di-
23
rected by the Indiana State Council of Defense, and through it by the Governor of our State, whom we are proud to say is the leader of the party to which we give allegiance. But the Indiana State Council of Defense has done more. Sensing the enlarged duty and opportunity of the State's educational, re- ligious and fraternal organizations, these too were called in to do their part.
The Indiana schools are on a war basis. The Educational Section of the Indiana State Council of Defense has provided through the public schools a direct line of communication into many homes that might not otherwise have received the mes- sage of patriotism. The duty of every child, and every parent, has been presented through the schools in such a manner as to augur well for the growing citizenship of the State. The pupils know why it is essential to produce and conserve, why they should buy Thrift stamps and Liberty bonds, why they should serve their country to the limit of their ability-and it is because they do know and understand that they are doing all these things.
The State Council went further in this educational cam- paign. Availing itself of the forces identified with the State's high institutions of learning, the council with the material and ability thus afforded, planned and established a bureau of pub- lic speaking. The far-reaching influence of this department, in its very successful operation cannot be overestimated. It has furnished an orator, an educator, a patriot for every occa- sion where the message of freedom, of duty, of humanity, of civilization, of Christianity could be presented. The Indiana State Council of Defense may well pride itself on the achieve- ments of the enterprise. For by and through its effort, the people of the State have learned of the enemy's depravity and of our own lofty mission in connection with the war.
Religious denominations in Indiana, Catholic and Prot- estant, Jew and Gentile, stand today a church militant, par- ticipating in the Eighth Crusade. This is in a large measure due to the directive influence of the Indiana State Council of Defense. And at their right hand equally dedicated, equally inspired, and equally consecrated to the great cause, are the half million fraternalists of the commonwealth similarly or-
24
ganized. Indiana is furnishing to the army and navy her quota of doctors and dentists. These have been mobilized by the State Council, which has not failed to support the cam- paign for nurses and students so necessary to successful relief of the unfortunate on the battlefield.
Indiana labor is loyal. It is busy, striving manfully to do its part. No small credit for the success of Indiana in its war achievements is due to labor. Indiana has been particularly free from strikes since the beginning of the war and in an era of rising prices that have affected every element of living. The workers have practiced a measure of economy that bespeaks their undivided support of the war and of those charged with responsibility for its execution. Labor has given to Governor Goodrich the very generous support to which he is entitled. The present spirit of labor is due in some measure to the rec- ognition given the working classes in the State Council's or- ganization, its liberal policy, the consistent fairness with which all labor issues have been received and considered by this body.
The State Council of Defense has achieved this extraordi- nary service at a comparatively trifling cost.
Indiana is one of two or three States in the Union that has had no regular nor special session of the legislature since the declaration of war.
It was the judgment-I might say the wisdom-of Gover- nor Goodrich to avoid an expense of $50,000 or $60,000 that would be necessitated by a special session of the legislature. Accordingly, there is no appropriation for the use of the In- diana State Council of Defense. The money necessary to its work has been in a large way advanced by Governor Goodrich.
The total expenditures of the Indiana State Council of De- fense from the beginning of its work a year and a half ago until October 1st, just past, are $78,254.
As an indication of what the work of the State Council of Defense is costing in other States I am offering the following table which was published some time ago and appears not to be questioned :
25
State
Funds $100,000
How Financed State funds appropriated
California
Maine ..
1,000,000
Maryland
2,000,000
Massachusetts
2,030,000
State funds appropriated
Michigan.
5,000,000
Minnesota.
1,000,000
New Hampshire
1,000,000
New Mexico
750,000
State funds appropriated
New York.
1,000,000
Ohio.
250,000
State funds appropriated State funds appropriated
Pennsylvania 2,760,000
State funds appropriated
Vermont
1,000,000
Indiana
100,000
State funds appropriated Borrowed
Spent $52,781.30 to January 15
$50,000.00 to April 1 $268,702.82 to November 1
$150,000.00 to December 10 $215,000.00 to March 1
$78,254.00 to October 1
The table is not complete, but it represents all the States for which information in the brief time at my disposal is available. In view of the comparative expenditures we marvel at the work done by the Indiana Council of Defense and at the place, from the viewpoint of efficiency, it has at- tained among those important war agencies throughout the Union. The secret of the difference is that in Indiana most of the work is voluntary and free service, while in many States it is a paid service. 1758142
The Indiana State Council of Defense, because it has been representative of the patriotism of the people, because it has . accomplished its task, because it has vision and ability, be- cause it is on the job, and on the square, standing back of every effort honestly intended to help win the war, to fulfill the wishes of the Federal Government, because it intends and is determined to keep untarnished the honored record of loyalty and devotion to the nation that has always characterized the State, has the confidence, good will and respect of every patriot in the commonwealth. It deserves and will receive an unqualified endorsement. It will have an honored place in the State's record in the world war, because it has earned such a place.
The State Council of Defense has been and is the creature of James P. Goodrich, a Republican Governor. Naturally, the Governor is not without pride in its achievements.
·
State funds appropriated State loan
4 per cent loan State funds appropriated
26
SOME OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
While I am recording the war work of Indiana, let me add a few things in brief statements. I may have referred to one or two of them before.
Indiana, under a Republican Governor, was first to organ- ize for increased food production, conservation and the substi- tution of other foods for wheat and meat in the war emer- gency. The Indiana idea became a national plan of safety.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.