McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1917-05-25

WHEN the uuty Snull lie upon every
man, whether he is himself to be reg
istered or not. to see to 1t that the
name of every male person of the des-
ignated ages is written on these lists
of honor.
"By the president:
ROBERT LANSING,
Secretary of State"
Division Ordered to France.
President Wilson directed that an
expedltionary force Of approximately
a division of regular troops, under
command of Maj. Gen. John J. PERISH
ing, proceed to France at as early
date as practicable. General Pershing
and staff will precede the troops.
A division contains approximately
$4,000 men. 1t is understood that at
least 10000 will be infantry.
The war bill was carefully gone over
during the day by Brigadier General
Crowder, judge advocate general and
provost marshal general.
1t was announced that all existing
regiments of the guard will be called
into service by August 5, and officials
estimate that with from month to six
weeks intensive training these troops
will be ready to go forward for final
preparation behind the fighting lines In
Europe for the fighting that is before
them.
Presidents Statement.
The president issued the following
statement at the White House:
81 shall not avail myself, at any
rate, at the present stage of the war,
Of the authorization conferred by the
act to organize volunteer divisions.
ITO do so would seriously interfere
with the carrying out of the chief and
most Immediately important purpose
contemplated by this legislation:
1.-THE prompt creation and early use
of an effective army would contribute
practically nothing to the effective
strength of the armies now engaged
against Germany.
mo Time for Compliments"
II understand that the section of
this act which authorizes the creation
of volunteer divisions in addition to
the draft was added with view to
providing an Independent command for
Mr.. Roosevelt and giving the military
authorities an opportunity to use his
fine vigor and enthusiasm recruiting
the forces now at the western front.
ut would be very agreeable to me to
pay Mr.. Roosevelt this compliment and
the allies the compliment of sending
to their aid one of our most distln-
gulshed public men, an ex-president,
who has rendered many conspicuous
public services and proved his gallan-
try in many striking ways.
Seeks Advice From Both Sides.
"The business now in hand is un-
dramatic, practical and of scientific
definiteness and precision.
81 shall act with regard to 1t at
every step and In every particular I'M
der expert and professional advice,
from both sides of the water.
1.-THE first troops sent to France will
be taken from the present force of the
regular army and will be under the
command of trained soldiers only.
sThe issues involved are too i'm
mense for me to take into considera-
ton anything whatever except the
best most effective, most immediate
means of military action. What these
means are l know from the mouths of
men who have seen war as 1t Is con-
Quoted, who have no illusions and to
.whom the whole grim matter Is mat
ter of business. l shall center my
attention upon those matters and let
everything else wait. should be deep
ly to blame should l do otherwise,
whatever the argument Of policy or of
personal qualification of advantage"