The Mena weekly star., 1917-05-24
CONSCR|PT|ON LAW'
 NOW IN EFFECT.
Final Action Taken by Congress and Bill Probably Was Signed Friday by President-Kirby One of the
 Eight Opponents.

Washington, May iS.-FinaI ac- ton was taken by Congress yester- day on the war army bill. The Senate, 65 to 8, adopted the confer ence report accepted by the House. Vice President Marshall and Speak CT Clark signed the bill today and sent it to the White House for Pres ident Wilson's approval 1t prob ably will be law before tonight.
 The bill provides for raising by selective conscription war army in increments of 500000 men from 2l to 30 years of age. It also author izes, without directing, the presi- dent to raise volunteer forces which Colonel Roosevelt desires to take to France, and greatly increases the pay of all enlisted men.
 Next Comes the Draft.
 Immediately after the President signs the bill, he will, by proclama- ton, designate the day for registra- ton of the i0,000,000 or more men of the prescribed ages. Registration books are in the hands of state and local authorities. Brigadier Gener- al Crowder, provost marshal gen. eral expects to have his complete lists in Washington within five days after registering begins.
 Then will come the task of select ing the first half million, exempt ing the physically unfit, those with dependents and men who are need ed on the farms and in industries. The process of selection probably will be completed long before the men are wanted Secretary Baker today said the because of lack of supplies the new army would not be called to the coloPs before Septem- Der.
 Roosevelt May Gain Wish.
 Whether Colonel Roosevelt shall be permitted to raise an expedition rests with President Wilson. It is believed that he will postpone de- eision while the draft system is be- ing put into operation.
 Yesterdays closing debate cen- tered on the so-called Roosevelt amendment. Colonel Roosevelt was vigorously attacked by Senator Stone of Missouri and as ardently defended by his friend, Senator Johnson of California.
 Senator Stone attacked the RoOse- welt amendment on the ground that Colonel Roosevelt is unfit to com- mand a body of troops because he has no respect for authority, con- stitutional or otherwise and de- Seribed the provision as "a scheme both personal and political"
 Kirby Stays With Minority.
 The eight senators who cast the negative votes were:
 Democrats: Gore of Oklahoma, Hardwick of Georgia, Kirby of Ar kansas, Stone of Missouri and Tram mell of Florida
 Republicans: LaFollette of Wis consin, Gronna of North Dakota, and Norris of Nebraska.
 Provisions of Bill. The bill, supported by the admin istration, was introduced in the Senate April i9, was passed April 28 in the Senate, Sl to s, and in the | House, 397 to 24--and has since been tied up in conference. It was re- turned to conference twice by the House to include the Roosevelt vol unteer provision and further pay increases of enlisted men. It's chief provisions are:
 Raising of armed forces by the selective draft system, imposed up- on all males between 2i and 30 years, inclusive, subject to registration and certain exemptions from sery- ice.
 Increasing the regular army to maximum war strength. Drafting into the federal service of National Guard units. Raising of first force by con- scription of 500,000 men, with addi- 1 tiOns of 5O0,000 if deemed necessary. Raising, if the president sees fit, 6of four divisions of volunteer in- fantry (the Roosevelt amendmentl- Increasing the pay of all enlisted #men as follows:
 Fifteen dollars additional month 8y for those now receiving less than 8S2l, comprising the bulk of the ar #my, graduated down to $6 addition #al monthly for those receiving $40 #Or more.
 \ Prohibiting sale of liquor at, or Snear training camps and otherwise #protecting morals of the soldiers. 2 LOCAL REGISTRARS TO MEET. Board Plans for Meeting Saturday al
 fp M for Instruction.