Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-08-14

Adjutant General George Mel. Pres
son, the provost marshal Of Maine and
in charge Of the draft rules and regu-
lations for this State, who, with Will
liam E. Larry. his assistant, has re-
turned from a weeks trip through the
State visiting the various exemption
boards, is very much pleased with the
interest being shown by practically
everyone connected with the boards
and the work they are doing.
He found at every place visited, and
that includes to date all the boards
which will have to furnish men to fill
the quotas for their sections, that the
memt ers were mead over heels" in the
complex and perplexing details of their
duties and with the beauty Of every
thing being conducted in a perfectly
straightforward and honest manner
not a sign Of any of the slightings or
evasions of the law being noted OF
even limited at.
1t was also found that many of the
members were given their time and
services to the government at great
| business and personal inconvenience
and sacrifce-in some cases amounting
to almost hardship. 1t was a spirit of
cheerfulness in which the conditions
were rehearsed to the provost gener-
al, but no fault finding. 1t was found
that in some cases, where the member
was in the employ of some large firm
or corporation. that he had been told
to never mind his usual duties, but
attend to the government work, if 1t
took all summer!
Some funny cases Of requested ex-
emption were found. For instance,
man asked to be released from the OBJ
legation of serving his country, be-
cause he had a wife and four chill
dren. That sounded like a pretty good
excuse until it developed that he had
just married a widow with the four
children.
Another man asked exemption on the
grounds Of government employ. in
transporting the United States mails.
That locked good. until it was found
he was a substitute and worked at 1t
two weeks a year.
But, entirely. different was the fine
looking young man. who was asking
something about the exemption papers
and was told to sit down at the table
and fill out an exemption request
blank.
Great Scott. I don't ask any ex-
emption, I'm asking for information"
General Presson was then told by the
board that the young man had passed
a fine physical examination and was
ready to enter the service. so he again
| turned to the lad and warmly congrat-
/ ulated him on his manhood and will
! ingness to serve his country, making
the Young man blush like a schoolgirl.
| Speaking Of the attempts being made
| to evade the draft. it may be said that
while some * to 50 per cent. are ask
ing exemption for one or another rea-
son. it is safe to say that not more
than % per cent, If that many, are
rclea sed.
Government agents are busy all over
the State and every case of requested
exemption is being thoroughly sifted'
so that no one not legitimately enti-
tied to excuse can hope to get it. 1t
NAV also be said in passing. that any
attempted fraud in this connection
| will meet with prompt and seVene pun
! ishnnent. The law will attend to each
and every case and the penalty is rig
id enough for the most fastidious.
General Presson and Mr.. Lawrv. LETT
Monday afternoon for trip to Show
heean, where the local board was VS.
tied. They will today (Tuesday) go 70
York county. where each OF the two
boards will be visited.