Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-07-27
WAR DEPARTMENT IS
AWAITING REPORTS
ON DRAFT RESULTS
ARMY OFFICIALS UNABLE TO DE-
TERMINE NUMBER OF MEN
WHO WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM
SERVICE.

Washington, July 27.-Reports of
the first selection boards to fill their
quotas for the selective draft army
are eagerly awaited by Washington
officials because they will give the
first definite information as to the
probable percentage of reflections 10
be expected among the 10000, 600 reg
istrants for physical reasons or be-
cause of dependents.
All available statistics indicate
probable rejection of one in every
four for physical disability In par
ticular Localities this will vary greatly,
but the average for the whole country
is expected to be between rs and 30
per cent. There is no available data
as to dependents, or as to how many
must be excused under industrial ex-
emptions.
If the reasoning of some officials is |
correct, the lowest rejection and ey-
emption rates VII be disclosed in we'll. |
TODD communities, such as the sub
urbs Of large cities.
Are Better Fed.
Men there have had better food
better care and better surroundings
than the factory hands of nearby
towns and should be in better phys
ical condition.
As a class such young men could
hardly be regarded as Indispensable
in their civil, business or industrial
capacities, and dependents probably
will not free as many of them from
service as of most other classes
In factory towns the rejection rate
for physical disability probably will
be high. The fact that the men are
confined six days a week at Their ma
chimes undoubtedly will have affected
their physical condition Virtually
every married man of those registered
IN these places is the sole support of
MS wife and children and such men
cannot be taken. Also, if the indus {
ry in which they are engaged is vital
o the carrying on of the war, indus
rial exemptions will run high.
First conscript Called.
Thomas W. Reese is the first of |
]ncle Sans conscripts to be called ,
p for examination. He lives on N II
treet with his wife and son, aged 4 |
1onths.
Thomas was away at his work when
he long, official War Department en-
'elope--the first of its kind ever
nailed--reached the house today.
Agreements with allied governments
Tor drafting their subjects in this
country were discussed today by SEN
ators Stone and McCumber with Act. |
ing Secretary Polk of the State De-
partment.
1t was pointed out that such con-
scription might necessitate reciprocal
among Americans living
in allied countries and would estab.
lish a precedent width might be dan
gerous. Italy, Serbia and Japan have
special treaties on the subject which
would have to be amended
Training Camp Boards.
The committee on training camp,
activities appointed to safeguard the
troops against moral hazards and pro
vide wholesome recreations. with
Raymond b. Fosdick, of New York
as chairman, discussed plans for work
today at its first meeting New mem
bers of the committee were announced
as follows
Walter Camp, New Haven; Barton
Meyers, Norfolk; Joseph Lee, Boston;
John J. Egan, Atlanta; Selah Cham
berlain, San Francisco; Clifford w. |
Barnes, Lake Forest, Ill.,; Charles =. |
NELL, Washington; +. T. Meredith.
Des Moines; John S. Tichenor, New
York; Lieut.. Richard f. Byrd. United
States navy; Mrs. Finley j. Sheppard,
New York; Mrs. Daisy McLaurin Stev-
ar Is L.tt