Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-06-07
The First Indications

The First Indications
Tho official figures were too scant
FOR an accurate estimate of the total of
inc men who have registered. The first
reports showed that the census bureau
Inmates of cligibles had not been
quallcd, but officials pointed out that
NO numbers by which one or two cities
,lone had exceeded the estimates
would wipe out the entire deficiency of
Tho several smaller states sending in
the first official returns.
Time Extended
In some of these cities, registration
still was in progress today. the attor-
ney general having approved the ac-
ton OF Provost Marshal General Crow
der in authorizing an extension of time
where cards were lacking or where the
registration machinery proved other
wise Inadequate to do its task.
Until the records OF the great manu-
featuring ccnters are completed re-
suits Of the registration cannot be
gagged accurately.
General Crowder said tonight that 1t
was not to he expected that the regis
tration figures would check with the
census estimates, if for no other rea-
son than that thousands VINO are IN
army and naval and national guard
were not required TO register
Few SIackers
Messages from governors all over the
country showed that there are reia
lively few slackers to be dealt with.
Already the machinery OF the govern
mcnt is moving to bring these lew 10
a reckoning. The chief factor IN prlhs-
ing them TO book will not be legal pro-
,esses General Crowder and the forces
Of the department of justice place full
reliance in the people themselves III
bringing forward these shirkers. NO
Ian mat would serve that end will be
overlooked. No man skulker in tempo
rarv safety because he is "a stranger IN
Ms community or because his age Is
not known will escape If the processes
If law can bring him to an accounting.
or women whose sons or other KIN nave
f,,cd tho issue with courage and cheer
full, recorded their names that the
government chiefly depends 10 piihs
-lackcrs into the open.
As the registration figures came III
tonight the work of preparing for the
next great step proceeded without in
corruption.
There is no statement Yet available
,4 to tho process by which men VIII
3 drawn to appear before the eXemp-
non boards. Secretary Baker has
.t,ted that something in the nature
ut a jury wheel might be employed
Iui hc,ond that no information has
been given ont.
Ecports TODAY from all parts of the
country bore ont the indications or
las, night that tn" great enterprise mao
,ccr carried through without obiec-
t,.u on opposition from sufficient
uYuihsr al citizens to be worthy or
tucntion. Registration was competed
virtually without; disorder; certainly
..!th only 4 small part Of The ii2t":c-
nee. that Ussally characterize ma
uoual elections.
Work to Follow
General Crowder tonight outlined
vb,t to follow the great enactment.
"I,cststratiou marks the completion
80 the first well defined step IN the
,Xe,Gtion Of the selectivc service law
w., aid The actual recording mas
leon p,actically finished in single
Gay but the arrangement az" copF- !
ing of the cards. their Segregation lhlo
appropriate groups, the pupiication vi
lists and the Earnerlng IN or ueidyeo
egistrations will consume week Or
tp DAYS. In the meantime the nldcihn
Try of the registration Is helhg Ie-au-
usted to serve as machinery ioi tie
.rthcr execution OF the law. Inns
work is proceeding rapidly anu snouio
Nc completed coincidently with the ty-
Ng up OF the loose ends OF resis''a-
ION.
When this is all done, regulations
Governing the Jurisdiction of the local
boards will he issued and the macnih-
cry will then be ready to proceed 10
tho drawing which will result In
distribution of the order in which reg
is,erod men will be examined for the |
purpose of their selection for military |
or Industrial service.
Justice for All
The personal honor OF the President OF
Secretary Baker and Of every member OF
congress who voted for the bill stands
pledged 10 the statement that even-hana-
ID Justice and fairness to all men, hish
or low. white or black, will govern the
great task.
Much must be done before the names
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