Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-07-09
CUBA AROUSED OVER
SELECTivE DRAFT PLAN


HAVANA. Cuba. July s.-Cuba Is
now experiencing the same discussion
and problems over obligatory military
service that the United States had
prior to the passage of the recent
service laws In Washington. The Gu
ban congress Is now In session and
while the leaders Of both houses dc
not agree on the form In which Cuba's
military law should be enacted or the
extent OF the selective draft, never
theless II Is probable that bill EN-
bodying the same features as that in
the United States will be passed by
both houses In few days.
President Menocal has requested
congress for q sweeping selectiye
draft law which will exempt none
from It's workings. Other leaders be-
llevo that this is going too far in
this country at this time. The work
Ing OF the United States law is being
watched with great interest here and
throughout the island. II is estimated
that from the avail.5ie eligible popu.
lation In Cuba an army Of 100000
men fully equipped could be raised
speedily and with slight inconveni-
ence. should the necessity arise.
The attitude of the administration
toward the pending measure is well
expressed by DR.. Ricardo DOLE, leader
Of the Conservative party and Presi
dent OF the Cuban Senate, who said
today:
II cannot think Of any reason why
the Conservative party should not
lend Its support to the president OF
the republic to implant the obligatory
military service. This is u duty Inn.
posed By the constitution on every
Cuban citizen, and. therefore, we may
discuss the details OF this service but
not its principle. as 1t would be
against the constitution to do so.
Furthermore. we have the American
congress as an example in passing
ACOChN LC6AbAaIOhs buliub ~ bldlc VI
war the president Is principally re-
sponsibfe for the security OF the ma
ton. and congress should ACCEPT all
recommendations from the executive
under these circumstances. and no OBJ.
BtructionB should be put In his way
In time In which the country is in a
state of war.
Congress, in my opinion, should
grant ungrudgingly all requests from
the executive"
In answer TO the charge by certain
opponents Of the measure that in
terests OF EDUCATION in Cuba woult
suffer through a universal draft meas
ure. DIR. Gabriel Casuso. head Of the
University OF Havana, asserted:
81 do not believe that the obligatory
military service will cause any dam
age. I speak, Of course, thinking o
the students at the university. o.
the contrary, think the service will
be beneficial, as the university stu
dents would expand their facilities II
the service of their country ant
would form a strong nucleus to dIrec
the movement.
"The hands of the government
should be left free to act at this time
and all citizens should obey orders.
II have always advocated physica
culture at the university, and ever
recommended that hey take military
exercises. My contention has beer
proved by the fact that in the last
uprising 1t was the students who gave
the better service to their country.
I'VE have gone into this war t.
strengthen our ties with the Unitet
States. Germany is far away. 1t 1
true, but We must prepare ourselve
for all emergencies"