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[216] more unpopular than when enforced upon American citizens at this time.

Here is a suggestive extract from a rhyme of that period, entitled

The substitute.

A friend stepped up to me one day;
These are the words that he did say:
” A thousand dollars to you I'll owe,
If in my place to war you'll go.”
” A thousand dollars? Done! ” says I;
” 'Twill help to keep my family.”
I soon was clothed in a soldier's suit,
And off to war as a substitute.

To a conscript camp first I was sent
And to the barracks my steps I bent.
I saw many there who wore blue suits,
And learned they were all substitutes.
Then orders came for us to go,
Way down where blood like rivers flow.
When the soldiers saw me, they yelled, “Recruit!”
Why did you come as a substitute?


Scanned printed text.

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