ON PROJECTS FOR ABSOLUTIST CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

        Considering the fact that, in the treatment of absolutist objectors, allowance has not been made for several important factors, namely:

         (a) The fact that many objectors refuse to do forestry service;
        (b) The fact that many objectors cannot get the funds to pay the price demanded by the forestry camps;
        (c) The fact that many objectors, well able to do real work of national and non-military importance, are denied an opportunity to use those abilities by forestry camps, with the result, in many cases, that perfectly good abilities are made to rot entirely;
        (d) The fact that the present policy makes no allowance for the physical inability of many objectors to do heavy work, and makes no provision for such objectors (those known, in draft-board terminology, as A-E-O-LS);
       (e) The fact that forestry work creates the suspicion, in the minds of many absolutists, that the only national importance in it is a military importance, in clearing ground for campsites or other military operations.

         It therefore appears that other varieties of projects must be devised to take care of these matters. It is therefore suggested that such projects be gradually built up, and should, by preference, be self-supporting. Capital may be raised by contributions and loans, though it might be well if the government could be induced to contribute at least in part in the form of a loan.

        In any case, conscientious objectors of "absolutist" trend, whether non-registrants, classified by draft-boards, or classified by courts or by agreements with U.S. Attorneys, should be given the opportunity to volunteer for a variety of projects. It is especially urged that urban residents, who are the least possible asset to forestry camps, should be allowed to volunteer for urban projects, to take place in metropolitan centers. (The Selective Service Act says nothing about segregating or punishing objectors, and it would be more in accord with even the spirit of the law if the objector problem was treated without any attempt to segregate or punish.)

        For a first project, it is suggested that it be attempted to publish a series of guides to the local transportation system of various urban and metropolitan areas. This type of guide-book has never been adequately attempted anywhere in America, is capable of being worked out for any such area, and is work that will be useful in numerous ways in peace-times; it is a type of thing that has always been in great demand among travelers, whether on business or for pleasure, as well as among local residents. Estimated amount of initial capital, $1000 to $1500. I am ready to organise such a project, contributing a guide system I have devised. Several volumes, including two for the Boston area and one for the District of Columbia, are now ready to go to the printer, and several more are almost ready; so that the project could be showing returns very early in the game.

        It is not claimed that all talents would be used in this project; but other projects would naturally be added as the thing went along. It is suggested that first trial be made of this plan with objectors located in urban areas of Massachusetts (or of Southern New England), next that another trial be made with an area centering on Washington, and latter with an area centering on New York, before it be attempted to apply the plan everywhere.

        It would be planned that the project be operated democratically, by granting representation to the objectors employed therein, contributor of capital would have to be contented with the fact that a return of the loss money is promised. Plans should be made for continuing all projects after the war is over; for a sincere absolutist would not undertake any work not capable of such continuation.