Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-08
ONLY 80 PER CENT DO
NOT CLAIM EXEMPTION
Virginia Registration Cards Show
Large Majority Asserting Rea-
sons for Being Omitted.
WILL BE CAREFULLY CHECKED
Nine Counties and Two Cities Still
Missing From States Report.
Error in War Departments Esti-
mate OF Hopewell.
WILL BE CAREFULLY CHECKED

Seven out of every ten mon In Vir-
act feel that they can be of more
service to their country at home At
least figures compiled in the office Of
Governor Henry c. Stuart show that
only 80 per cent Of those registered on
Tuesday did notoclaim exemptions.
That the claim of exemption is so
heavy will react on many persons. as
it Will cause particularly strict in
restigation when individual cases
come up for consideration when the
drafts are made Unless a man can
show that those who are claimed as
dependents are solely dependent upon
him. he stands little chance of being
excused from military service. This
includes young married men without
children. The claim of exemption on
the grounds that the registrant is sup
porting his father or mother is going
to be taken with more than a grain
of salt.
There will be no class exemptions.
the officials taking UP each case as it
occurs. That there will be prosecu-
tions for false registration in event
that 1t is proved that regstrants have
not told the truth In claiming exemp-
ton, has been indicated. Wealthy
men claiming exemption as farmers or
students claiming to he. the sole sup
port OF parents will learn that Uncle
Sam does not appreciate even little
jokes.
NINE COUNTIES AND
TWO CITIES ARE MISSING
The total registration for Virginia
is not yet determined, as nine counties
and two cities have not reported yet.
Richmond and Alexandria are the
cities that are SO far behind the
schedule. The counties not reporting
are scattered throughout the State
Virginia is running behind the esti-
mate made by the War Department,
due primarily to the huge mistake in
regard to the number OF men of mill
tary age in Prince George County. in
cludinE Hopewell. The War Depart
ment was more than 10000 out of the
way in its estimate, unless the men
just failed TO obey the law. This is
not considered probable by State Of
ficials. however, as Clerk Temple, of
Prince George County. sat for ten days
within the big Du Pont plant to sign
the registration cards of nonresidents.
The total registration at 6 o'clock
last night was 150.9l4. The number
estimated previously by the War De-
partment from the counties and cities
reported. 176,700. Shortage from the
War Department estimate is about
26,O 900.
OBVIOUS ERROR AS TO
HOPEWELL, SAYS FORWARD
II believe the registration in Vir-
ginia will practically equal the War
Departments estimate" said Alexander
Forward secretary to Governor Stuart
last night. The difference between the
actual figures from the ninety one
counties and sixteen cities already re-
ported and the previous estimate made
from Washington. is about $4,000, but
more than 10000 Of this is accounted
for by what was obviously an error
in the County of Prince George. The
War Department had been advised of
the extensive industrial operations at
Hopewell, which have been established
since the taking Of the census Of 1910,
and had estimated the population OF
Prince George. including Hopewell. at
10. 900.
"The estimate was then made that
the county should yield $4,000 men OF
military age. which is obviously alb
surd. There are fully 10000 women
and children in the county, and of the
Lremr estimated $4,000, not more
5000 to 5000 could by any pos
!Gy come within the age limits Of
10 thirty-one. OF these
y&I.o00 to 5000. several thousand regis
tered with Deputy Clerk Temple, who
sat at Hopewell with clerks for ten
days prior to Registration Day, and
sent their cards to their home pre-
cincts. scattered all over Virginia and
the United States. The total Prince
George registration of 4,S3a is entirely
reasonable and cre6ItahIe ond = -.
inclined to think that the estimate
OF $4,000 was clerical or Topographic
Continued on Second Page5