The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-05-09

statement follows:
There was a time in the country's
history when military enumerators,
backed by bayonets. went out among
the people to take "A compulsory SER
vice census. Today under the prin-
ciple Of universal liability to service
the execution Of the law is put into
the hands Of the people.
The approval Of the new national
army bill and the presidents procla-
nation Hereunder will be coincident.
All persons within the age limits pre-
scribed will be required to present
themselves for registration at the
customary voting places in the voting
precincts in which they have their
permanent homes, on a day which
the president will announce. The
probability Is. that from ten to
fifteen days will elapse between ap-
proval OF the bill and registration
day.
The governor of each State will ..e
the chief Of registration therein. The
machinery Of registration in eacl
county Is to be in charge of the sher-
III. the county clerk, and the county
physician. acting ex-officio. unless
different board shall be announced by
the governor. In cities containing
populations of more than 10000, the
registration will be under the control
OF the mayor and selected boards of
registration. In order that the desig-
mated county and city officials. and
the people generally. can get clear
understanding Of the census methods
the following brief outline Is given:
The sheriffs or other designated Of
ficials, Immediately upon receiving
notice from the governor. shall ap-
point registrars for each voting pre-
cinct.
The Apportionment of Registrars.
The proportion of registrars shall
be one for each ITO persons to be
registered. Each age to be registered
will comprise about 1 per cent of the
population.
II, for instance. all men between 10
and 25 years of age inclusive, are to
be registered. the registrar would
have to enroll about per cent. of
the precinct population.
1t Is desirable to accept the services
Of competent volunteer registrars to
serve without compensation. All reg
istrars must be sworn.
The voting place in each precinct
must be prepared for registration
Full printed instructions covering ev-
cry detail Of registration will be in
the hands of sheriffs and mayors on
the fifth day after the presidents
proclamation.
In Cities OF Over 5000" Population.
Tho mayor Of city containing
moro than 10000 inhabitants, or the
officials designated by the governor
therein. shall. with approval Of the
governor. appoint for each ward or
convenient minor subdivision contain
Ing about 10000 people one registra-
tion board. and shall designate one
officer OF each board to perform du-
ties similar to those imposed on the
sheriff. as heretofore outlined. If
the mayor desires. he may appoint a
| central board to coordinate the work
of minor boards.
Duties Of County Clerks, and of Clerks
of Cities OF Over $4,000 People.
On the fifth day after the president
has issued his proclamation. clerks of
counties and cities OF over O.OOO must
secure a supply of blanks and copies
OF the registration regulations from
tho sheriff or from the mayor. Alb
sentees and the sick will apply TO
such clerks to have their registration
cards filled out. In no case shall such
persons be given registration certifi-
c"tes' They are to be instructed by
TIC clerk that tho burden Ia on them
'o see to 1t that the cards reach the
REGISTRARS or their home nrecincts nv