New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-05

! WASHINGTON, Aug. 4.-Registered
men who resist the selective draft law
face military court martial for deser-
tion and the possibility of execution
for desertion in time of war. The whole
military and civil power of the Federal
government and the civil power of the
states, cities or counties will be en-
ployed to bring them to book
This was announced in formal
statement tonight by Brigadier Cen
eral Enoch H. Crowder, Provost
Marshal General. in response to re-
ports from North Carolina, Georgia and
Oklahoma of ant-draft disturbances.
As yet the power Of the Federal gov
ernment has not been invoked by the
Governors Of the three states nor by
the agents Of the Department Of Jus
tice. The onIy official notice received
in Washington of the disturbances was
a telegram from the Governor OF Nortn
Carolina, saying that the registered
men of two townships in that state
might refuse in q body to comply with
the summons for examination.
No official word came from Oklahoma
where the most serious situation pre-
walls. II was believed the Governor,
both in his official state capacity and
as the direct agent of the President IN
the execution of the draft law, is con-
fdent that order can be restored with
/ out military aid. There will be no hesi-
/ tation, however, in employing Federal
l troons IL thpy are needed.
The alleged activities of Thomas h.
/ Watson, of Thomaston, Ga, are under
| close scrutiny Of .he Department OF
/ Justice, where officials are seeking to
determine whether they can bring pro-
/ ceedings against him because of recent
statements urging resistance to the
| draft in his magazine.
Comics Of the publication brought TO
. the Attorney Generals attention con-
/ tain lists of contributions, varying be-
/ tween 81 10 500 from Atlanta, Chat
4 tanooga. Danville, Va, and numerous
small towns in North Carolina, Ten
nessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Geor-
Z e,ia 20 Z fund 70 be devoted 20 testing
I the constitutionality Of the draft law.
I The subscriptions, in recent NUMBER
Of the publication, totaled approx
nately $1,000.
General Crowder's statement says:
"Press reports and other advices re-
ceived indicate that in one or TWO
widely separated districts individuals
misinformed as 10 the purposes OF the
law and misguided as 10 its result, are
threatening forcible resistance to the
draft.
Nothing TO Resist Now
"There is nothing 70 resist at this
stage in the execution Of the law. All
male persons between the ages oil
twenty.one and thirty, inclusive, have
been enrolled for military service, A
preliminary call has gone forth 70
some such persons. but the immediate
and actual object Of this call is merely
10 provide an opportunity for such per,
sons. or for some one else in respect OF
them. 20 present 10 the government
reasons why they should not be hnally
ordered 20 report for military duty.
If such persons do not appear and
present these reasons, they have simply
neglected 20 take advantage Of an op-
portunity that was offered solely for
their benefit. The failure Of persons
20 take advantage Of this opportunity
does not interfere with the raising Of
the army and interests the government
only a. punishable crime Of omission.
"if they do not desire 20 make any
such claims. or for any other reason