Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-05-19

The army law provides for an ultimate force of approximately E. 000,0Oo men to back uD the first troops Co go to the front.
 Register on Pune ;.
 When the bill was signed, the presi- dent affixed his name to proclama- ton calling upon all men of the coun- try between the ages of 21 and 30, in- elusive, to register themselves for military service before June ].
 The proclamation sets in motion the machinery that will enroll and fit 10,- 100000 men, and pave the way for the selection of the first 50O0OO young, efficient soldiers. without crippling the industries or commerce of the nation or bringing hardships to those at home
 Even before the bill was signed the war department announced the full strength of the national guard will be drafted into the United States army beginning June 15 and concluding August ,. Orders to bring the regi- mcnts to war strength immediately ac- companied the notification sent to all governors.
 The maximum of 329.000 fighting men be brought to the oolOrs under these orders will supplement the 293,- 900 regulars who will be under arms by June 15.
 It is from these forces that the first armies to join General Pershins at the front will he drawn, to be followed in few months by recurring waves from the selectivc draft armies, the first 5OO,O0O of whom will be mobi- lized by September l.
 Following Is the text of the an- nouncemert of the war department as to General Perfhing's departure:
 War Department statement.
 "The president has directed an ex- peditionary force or approximately one division of regula, troops, under the command of Gen. John J. Persh- ing, to proceed to France at as early q date as practicable. General Persh- ing and his staff will precede the troops abroad.
 "It is requested that no details or speculations with regard to the mob- ization of the command, dates of de- parture, or other items, be carried by the press, other than the officia! bulletins given out by the war de- partment relating thereto"
 General Pershing has been in Washington some days. He was per- sonally summoned by Secretary Bak- CT from the southern department, which was under his command until tonight's order was issued.
 The man who led the expedition 6o haS S.1 IA plans for the expedition to France. He has been in daily conference with Secretary Baker and General Bliss. acting chief of staff. with department officials cooperating, in the selec- tion of the forces he will lead against Germany and also with Lieutenant General Bridges, head of the military section of the British mission and veteran of the battlefields of France.
 Nothing that French or British of ficers could furnish has been lacking and there is every indication that the regular forces which compose the expeditionary division are being se- lected with the greatest care. No inkling of the plans of that division have been allowed to leak out. It is known, however. that orders already have gone forward t2 officers of tried judgment and loLg experience, notifying them to prepare for foreign service.
 The number of men in the force s not disclosed. A division at war strength totals more than 25.000 men of all arms and the approximate" division of the war department state ment probably will exceed that fig ure.
 Why Roosevelt Barred.
 Tn his explanation of his reason for not availing himself of the so-called Roosevelt amendment of the army bill President Wilson brought out sharply :he points made against the amend ment by army officers, regardless of their personal CT political feelings or regard for Col Roosevelt himself
 Many officers. warm admirers or
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