ABSTRACT
The conscientious objector (CO) existed before the state but up to 1917 presented only a minor problem because there was no national draft. The War Department acted to revise the Clark bill to fit its own plans. Since the mid-1920s a special Joint Army Navy Selective Service Committee had been drafting plans for conscription. French and others argued with Selective Service and Congress that some recognition should be granted the absolute pacifist who refused to serve in either the military or in alternate work. In the midst of calling up millions of men Selective Service had little time for dealing with conscientious objector's (CO). Attempting to mitigate injustice, Congress and Selective Service erected an elaborate appeals system. Selective Service officials saw their responsibility as rapidly filling military calls. National headquarters wanted the willing cooperation of all CO's. The American Legion began a campaign to require alternate service.
