The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1917-05-04
Fight for Administrations Draft
Measure Won After Bitter
Debates in House
and Senate
MAJORITY Is Overwhelming
House Passes Bill BY Vote of
1877 to "a; Senate Ratifies
Bill in Different Form
BY 81 to 8 Vote

Washington.-The American army
In the war against Germany will be
raised by CONSUMPTION.
The fight in congress for the admt
nistration's selective draft measure
was won after days OF bitter debate
when the house passed the bill by a
vote OF 397 to "a. The bill, in some
what different form, was passed later
by the senate, 81 to 8.
The house bill would draft single
men between the ages Of 81 and 40
years of age, with the president hav-
ing authority to designate which shall
be called to the colors first. The
senate measure provides for conscrip-
ting single men between 81 and 81
years of age.
This difference in the provisions
will make 1t necessary for the mea-
sure to be sent to a joint conference
OF house and senate members where
the ages prescribed will be decided
on finally.
Soldiers Pay Raised SIS Month.
Provisions were struck out and in
serted in the bill in rapid action by
the house BY unanimous vote, an
amendment was included in the house
bill to increase the pay " enlisted
men and non-commissiohed officers
in the army and in the national guard
by SIS month, making the pay OF
enlisted men $1,000 a month. This
would add about s20,000,O00 to the
army and national guard payroll
monthly, II an army of 100000 men
is raised.
Volunteer Amendment Loses.
In the senate the volunteer amend
lost by a vote of SO to Is, and in the
house 1t was 279 to SO, supporters OF
conscription marshalling a strength
which surprised even administration
leaders.
On a formal roll call the house re-
jected the volunteer army proposal
by vote OF 313 to 100, an even
greater majority.
Senator Hardings' amendment de
signed to permit Colonel Roosevelt
to raise four infantry divisions &c.,
600 mem for service in France, was
adopted by the senate, Sc to 81. Many
Democrats voted for 1t. A similar
amendment was rejected by the
house.
An amendment was adopted which
not only exempts all ministers from
the draft but also all students at
theological seminaries.
An amendment was adopted by the
senate prohibiting the sale Of liquor
at army posts and training camps.
Under this amendment the presi-
dent is authorized to prescribe fur.
Their rules and regulations he col.
siders necessary.
All Liable to Service.
Whatever the age limits fixed by
congress there will be no discrimina-
ton between men within these limits,
on the ground of age, Judge Avocate
General Crowder of the war depart.
ment has told inquiring members OF
congress.
1t is the opinion of Gen. Crowder,
that IL men between Fl and 40 are
finally included in the draft, President
Wilson must list all men between
these ages and pick by lot from all
those not otherwise exempted from
service, regardless of age.
Under the plan, as the Judge advo-
cate general has outlined it, each vot-
ing precinct in the country will be as
signed its quota based on proportion
of it's population to the whole popu-
lation of the nation.
All men between the prescribed
ages, regardless OF condition, are
required to register Then all OF
these names will be put in box and
drawn by board selected for the
purpose.
Possible Exemptions.
Under rules laid down by the war
department and in accordance with
the provision of the army bill, max
ing possible exemption OF men physi
cally unfit; those needed in manufac-
ture and agriculture at home; those
with dependents, ETC., the board will
decide the eligibility to service OF
each man as he Is drawn. The board
will continue TO draw out names un.
til 1t has found the full quota OF men
not subject to exemption.
The fact that a man Is not accept
ed in the first drawing does not pre-
clude the possibility OF his being
called on later For example the first
drawing may exclude all married men,
whereas married men may be includ.
ed in a later drawing.