Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-14
WARRANTS
IN DRAF 7 CASES
Will Be Served Early This Morn
ing on Those Seeking to
Evade Service.
ELLERS0N BRINGS CHARGE
Names Are Withheld Until Ac-
cused Persons Are in Custody
of United States Marshal.
ELLERSON BRINGS CHARGE

exemption from military service will be
served this morning on at least two,
and possibly more. Richmond men The
charges we're made yesterday after
noon by II. watkins Ellerson, chairman n
OF Division No. .. and the warrants
Marshal John q. Saunders
Other than admitting that the war
rants have been issued. MIR. Ellerson
would make no statement. Marshal
Saunders was likewise retictnt, but
stated that the persons named in the
warrants were known to him and that
they would certainly be taken into
custody this morning. The exact charge
was not made public, but as any ir-
regularity in connection with the DRAFT
is punishable by a Jail sentence. the
men, IT convicted. will FIND themselves
In n bad predicament.
The principal in the case is said to
be n well-h nown Richmond man, who
filed claim for exemption on the
ground that h had a dependent wife
An investig alton. it is said, disclosed
tho fact that the dependent" wife
has an income of between $4,000 and
$4,000 a year. Another prominent
business man made affidavit setting
forth the claim being true to his
personal knowledge.
OTHER CASES ARE NOW
UNDER INVESTIGATION
While the single case has been
brought before the Federal authorities
several more are now being investi-
gated ana other criminal action may
be brought. The local boards are care
fully looking :nto all claims for ex-
emption, and from information received
from outside sources, several of the
claims arc apparently false. Unless
the claims are withdrawn before be-
ing passed upon, the registrants and
those uniting in their claims will be
hailed before court
Under the law. the man who makes
affidavit in support of, astraudud. n,
claim is equally guilty with the mar
attempting to evade military service
In addition TO the penalty prescribed
by the sclective draft act for attempt
ing to interfere with the draft, those
convicted Of perjury are liable to Sc.
we're punishment under the United
States penal code. Interference with
the draft is made a misdemeanor. ou,
| perjury IS felony. punishable with
penitentiary sentence
I'VE will want the fullest pu5licit,
given TO the cases as soon as the war.
rants have been served ard the parties
are under arrest" stated Mr. E.lersor
last night. 1T is true that the war.
rants have been issued and are in the
hands of the United States authorities.
WARRANTS WILL BE SERVED
EARLY THIS MORNING
Marshal Saunders also stated that he
had the warrants. but would not di-
vulge the names, nor say how many
charges had been brought. He stated
emphatically. however. that the war.
rants would be served early this morn.
ing. The men will be brought ~ once
before United States Commissioner
| Melvin FleEenheimer, who will decide
whether 10 admit them to ball until
the next term Of the United States
District Court.
The United States authorities will
endeavor TO make an example in the
| case in order TO keep others from at
| tempting TO avoid the draft in the fu.
ture by means of fraud or false state.
ments. The arrests may be the first
in the entire country on the exac,
grounds. although several exemption
| officials in New York have been sum
marily removed from office and taker
into custody on charges of irregulari-
| ties.
Two men who have failed to appear
for physical examination. Monroe
Logan and Spelmon Alston, both col.
ored, have been located by the police
and have been notified to remair
within tho jurisdiction of Local Board
No. ., in which they ere registered
| These men have been certified az called
for military service. and not exempted
or discharged. They must report tc
the mobilization camp along with the
division quota. and are barred from
making any claim for exemption
They will be required. however. to take
a physical examination at the camp
and nay he rejected.
REJECTED MEN MAY BE CALLED
IN NONCOMBATAN'r CAPACITY
Scores of men who have been re.
jeCted because of physical disa bilit,
are now liable 10 he called iEto the
government service n a noncombatan
capacity. 1t is probable that the gov.
ernment will find considerable work
of semimilitary nature which car
be performed by men who arc barred
from the field because of slight de-
fects.
Richmond will not benefit in the frst
draft through the commissioning oi
siXty-sevcn men from Fort Myer. un.
| less in case Of men who have beer
called for physical examination. The
credit. however, will be given on the
second draft. Richmond men ordered
to the second Fort Myer camp. who
have been drafted. will be credited tc
| the first draft quota.
Edwin p. Cox, chairman Of the dis.
trict board for the Eastern District
of Virginia. is prepared to handle ali
| appealed cases brought before him
The board is also receiving support.
Ing affidavits In the case OF men claim.
ing exemption on occupation grounds
Continued on Second Page.)