The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-08-25
AEN PHYSICAL: :.:IlEST.
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF THE
AMENDMENTS APPROVED by
THE SURGEON GEN.
ERAL.
fed That They Have Been Drafted.
Too. ...i

cisely sketched in a bulletin which
has been received here by the local
exemption boards.
This bulletin is the eighth of
series of compilations which are to be
=, It periodically to each board. The
bulletins consist of new rulings and
information which tends to clear up
doubtful points and is issued at the
Office of Provost Marshal Genera!
Crowder, at Washington.
This present compilation. giving a
concise statement of the new require
ments for physical qualification,
clears up point which has not been
definitely explained before. 1t is said
that this is the first time that the re-
quirements have been so clearly
stated. The paragraph which deals
with this runs as follows:
''The surgeon general amends his
regulations governing physical ex-
aminations SO as to authorize ac-
ceptance of men sixty-one inches
high. weighing not less than 10
pounds; siXty-two inches, same
weight; sixty-three inches not less
than 112 pounds. The surgeon general
also authorized acceptance of men
eixty-four inches high and over or
less than standard weight provided
underweight is due to temporary
causes and can, in the opinion of the
medical examiner, be reasonably ex-
planned"
| In this same bulletin comes to the
members who COMPOSE the exemption
boards the first official notice that
they are drafted for service just as
effectively as are the men for the
national army. The regulation govern
ing this ruling reads as follows:
Under provision of section 6 of
the selective service law, members of
local boards are quite as effectively
drafted for service as such as are
the soldiers who are being selected
by them. Their responsibilities are so
heavy that it is altogether we'll that
this should be so, and it is we'll from
another standpoint: The execution of
the law cannot be delayed by re-
fusals based on any but the most
urgent reasons of necessity. The
president will decline to accept
designations except where they are
accompanied by n specific statement
of the fact supporting them and the
recommendation of the governor. En-
cept In urgent cases designations and
recommendations should not be sent
by telegram, since the necessity for
specification Of reasons makes the
telegram too long to, be economical
In urgent cases, of course, and i'm
the discretion of the governor, tho
telegram may be used.
'The sacrifice that this onerous and
practically uncompensated service has
imposed upon members of the board
is fully realized. 1t has been borne
with scarcely a complaint by $4,000
of the best citizens of the. country.
This record of sacrifice and efficiency
stands as remarkable and signifi-
cant manifestation Of substantial pa
triotism, for no more valuable SER
vice could have been rendered the
nation in it's attempt to organize for
war"
Another announcement in the same
bulletin is directed against the action
of certain boards which, according to
reports. are merely calling out their
entire registration. finding those who
claim no exemption, and getting
enough by this method to certify the
quota to the district boards. OF
course. this is illegal, under the rules
of the selective service law. because,
rs the statement in the bulletin OBJ
serves, 1t virtually permits volunteer.
ing among registrants."
Therefore. such boards are direct
cd to go through all the lists of ex
emptions. and consider only so many
as are necessary to furnish the quota
after all claims for exemption are
allowed or disallowed. However,
those who do not claim exemption
should be certified to the district
board Immediately so that by the date
set for the first call, which will be
for 30 per cent. Of the quota, the dis
trict board will have sufficient names
certified with them from each local
board to meet this requirement. The
call for the first 80 per cent. will be
made during the first days i'm Septem-
ber. The call for the second 30 per
cent. will be made on September 10.