Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-09
No Politics in tho Draft.

y EGISTRATION over. exemption and
draft-the actual selection of the half
million or more men whom their country will
call to the colors-looms just ahead II is
vital that this work be conducted with alb
soluto fairness in every section OF the coun-
try, and that no trace or suggestion of per-
sonal, financial or political influence be per-
mitted to affect the judgment of the exemp-
ton boards The very principle of universal
service cries aloud against the possibility of
its dissertation.
The retirement of Clyde w. Saunders as
chairman of the Democratic City Committee
is eminently proper for reason Mr. Saunders
did not in terms assign. By the nomination
OF the Mayor he will become member of
the exemption board for Clay Ward and serv-
ing in that capacity he should have no
political interests or associations which
might cast even unjustiticd suspicion on the
integrity OF his actions. L. w Evans
treasurer of the committee. also has an
nounced his withdrawal. Mr. Evans has
been nominated as member of the cyemp-
ton board for Jefferson Ward, and what is
said OF Mr.. Saunders applies with equal force
to him. Both have done the right thing.
There must be no politics in the draft
There must be no reason to believe that
politics dictates the selection of one man and
the rejection of another. Even though the
law and the regulations are specific in many
particulars. much must be left to the sound
discretion OF the boards. Much will be left.
They will have to say how the law and the
regulations shall be applied to individual
cases. They will have to say to one widows
son. Stay. and to another's, Go" They
will have 10 decide nnumerable vexed uues-
tions of dependence and of occupation They
cannot expect to escape criticism and harsh
criticism. but they can, and should, assure
themselves that nothing in their political re-
lationships can be used to give color to such
attacks For the chairman and treasurer of
the City Democratic Committee to have &C
cepted places these boards would have
been unwise, ii not improper, in inception
and most unfortunate in probable couse-
quence.
AS politics should have no place in the
operation of the draft wealth and social
position should have place either. The
son OF the milionaire-of the most i'm
portant parsonage in the city of Richmond
should be on exactly the same footing and
receive exactly the same treatment as the
son OF the poorest day laborer
The physicians who to conduct the
physical examinations ought TO be particu-
larly careful. In the absence of definite in
structions from Washington. they should de-
eide each case in favor Of the government
rather than in favor of the claimant of ex-
einption, for there will be another examina-
tion al the mobilization camp, and mistakes
may be corrected there
We DO not believe there will be the
slightest disposition on the part of any mem
Der OF any Of the boards TO act otherwise
than with fairness. Really to suspect such
conduct would be 10 impute a baseness al
most inconceivabe, a dishonor past under
standing or excuse But such criticisms VIC
are afraid, going to be made 1t is for
members Of the boards. therefore, to walk
warily, TO conduct themselves discreetly and
to cast sentiment to the winds. Only thus
will they find in the thinking elements of
tho community that support and encourage
ment and that loyal confidence in their judg-
mcnt and temper they are so likely TO need