The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-04-05

When public interest becomes suffi-
ciently aroused in any subject of ma
tional Importance It is generally
chrystaliZcd in Legislative action OF
somo form or other. AS a preilm-
mary thereto. measures varying IN
detail but. as 4 rule along the same
broad lines are brought forward Tor
consideration. This Is the case today
with tho question Of universal train
ing for national defense coupled with
the obligation Of service IN time OF
emergency.
The purpose of the so-called Cham
berlain bill" is ITO provide for the
military and naval training or the citl-
zen forces OF the nation. 1t pre-
scribes that every male citizen or the
United States and every male VINO
has declared his intention to become
citizen shall undergo military or
naval training for q period Of six
months during the calendar year IN
which he reaches the age OF nineteen
The provision Is to so into effect on
the first OF January in the year 1ol'
lowing its passage, in which year the
pcriod Of training shall be limited 10
three months. All persons liable TO
training and falling to do so when
they reach the age fixed shall BIO sub
ject TO PENALTIES prescribed by Ia"
and, moreover undergo training in the
next succeeding year. The LIABILITY,
OF training ceases at The age or
twenty-six, bur members Of the per
manent military and naval forces OF
the United States, persons physically
unfit. and those who are the sole sup
port of father. mother. brother, Sis
Ter, wife or child, are exempted, but
they must report for re-examinaton
at fixed periods up TO the age or
twenty-five. In case the man belongs
10 q religious sect whose creed forbidS
the bearing OF arms in war, such per
sons are TO be trained in the non-com'
Blatant branches. Criminals and those
Of VIGOROUSLY bad character are TO be
! trained only in special organizations.
! Credits are also given for such
previous training as Is provided by the
secretary Of war and the secretary OF
tine navy. The expenses are borne by
! the government but no substitute is
pcrmittN and no payment OF money
shall exempt man from training.
This wise proviso was based upon the
ahominahle conditions Of affairs pro
duced by the offering Of substitutes IN
order 10 evade the draft act during
the war OF the rebellion.
Each person exempted from train
! ing shall receive a certificate 10 that
effect, while those who have com
pleted their training are given both a
certificate and distinctive rosette.
The Chamberlain bill very properly
! forbids the naturalization OF anyone
unless he had received the certificate
of training, ono Of temporary or per
manent exemption, or IS actually un'
dergoing training. No one liable TO
such training shall hold any position
Of public trust or profit unless he has
such certificate MS just enumerated
and no person. corporation. partner,
ship or association shall be permitted
Ito employ any person up to the age
OF twentv-night years who has been
liable TO such training unless he has
lrece!red a similar certificate. These
proyisos arc intended 10 afford a
means of enforcing the law auto
tmaticaly BY compelling appearance
for registration and training Of such
men az show a tendency to shlrk.
The territory OF the United States
! Is to be dtrldcd into training districts
and all persons are 20 be registered
land subjected to an -'nination for
physical fitness. the IRsary boards
being provided for hat purpose,
Appeals may br mao from the de-
cision Of tho board Of registration Ia
| the United States district court, the
decision Of which shall he final.
Persons liable 10 training are to be
members Of the Reserve Citizen army