The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-02
REGISTRATION OF
 ALL ALIEN ENEMIES. PROD|G|OUS TASK
Government Will Begin Just as Soon as Machinery for Carrying Out Work
 Is Adjusted
By HUGH ". ROBERTS

Washington, December 1.-(Spec ecisl.]
 The beginning of the registration of alier
 enemies throughout the United States will be undertaken just as soon as ad- jutant generals inform the war depart
 ment respecting voluntary machinery for
 the prodisious task in the several states. But for the fact that alien enemies ar e so numerous in every section of the coun- try there is no question, according to
 high authority, but that general in ternment would be ordered. At the pres ent time, however, the government will
 content itself with acquiring a full knowledge of each individual who is 3 citizen of the German empire, and the dislodging of such enemies who, on ac- count of talent, have been able to retain employment in and around plants of value to the country's further prepara- ton for war.
 In many localities, alien enemies. spon- sored for by American employers, have been abfe, despite the war, to remain in positions giving them knowledge regard ing industries engaged in manufactur- ing munitions of war, and affording them opportunity, if inclined to unlawful acts, to wreck such industries. In this re- spect, as previously pointed out in this correspondence, Birmingham is no excep- tion. It has been matter of record that alien enemies. made secure by the in- dorsement of employers, have worked and ar still working in the service of in- dustrial companies in Birmingham and other north Alabama points.
 Under the terms of the proclamation, such alien enemies will be forced to re- tire from such service. At proper time, district attorneys will be given specific information as to what variety of man. ufacturing concerns are regarded as of value to the government in time of war. It is unofficislly stated at the present time that under such heading, plants manufacturing steel or products of steel, companies engaged in the production of coal, and in the operation of common carriers will come. The government will soon make public official instructions.
 Despite hardships which will be worked on many individuals, no exceptions will be permitted. Following orders for alien enemies to retire from the District of Columbia, a gentleman who for years had served the government in confiden- tial capacities and whose loyalty in no respect was questioned, appealed futilely for special dispensation in his favor. Many represented that they had taken out first papers. Others proved that they had displayed patriotism in the purchase of liberty bonds. But in every case ap- peals were denied. Such obdurate rulings will be applied consistently elsewhere. it is officially learned.
 The action of the President in ridding the District of Cnltn1aia of alien enp- mics and denying alien enemies the right to pass through the district has produced the greatest satisfaction on the part of members of Congress and eastern news papers. That such action be taken was urged upon the President last April im- mediately following the declaration of war. It was pointed out that as Wash ington was the military heart of the na- tion, 1t was necessary that such course be pursued. The idea prevails, however, and it has been presented to the Presi- dent, that the preliminary prociama tion should soon be followed by another, bar ring from the district all allies of the Wilhelmstrasse-all Austrians and Turks and that female alien enemies be ac- corded the same treatment as male alien enemies
 The reason why the President did not proceed against German women is not made public. It is known that his lem iency regarding Turks and Austro-Hun- garian sis due to the fact that against these nationalities, the United States has not as yet declared war. The idea grows in officiai circles that such declaration will be a feature of the ensuing session of Congress. At that time 1t is certain that Turks and Austrians will be driven from the district and throughout the country forced to register.