Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-06-01
Asks Crowder's Opinion

1AShS NIOWuCI , OUlnIOI
Secretary Baker called upon Brig
Gen. Crowder, judge advocate general
and provost general of the army, for
an opinion as to the effect of the new
law upon Americans of military age
residing abroad. Department officials
generally nave presumed that the priv
llcSeS OF citizenship would carry with
them duty for military service not
anected by foreign residence, but no
II rmal ruling will be made until the
opinion Of Gen. Crowder has been re-
ceived. The question involves to some
degree the specific terms of the extra
dition treaties between the United
States and other countries. MANY
Americans of military age now abroa d
have been eager to enroll. Registration
cards have been furnished to every
American embassy. legation or consul
late. and diplomatic and consular Of
ficials have been authorized to act as
registration agents.
Meantime the department of Justice
is proceeding on the theory that the de-
parture from American soil of anv
American subject to the draft is an
evasion Of the law. 1t was revealed to-
day that steps already had been taken
to prevent such departures, and that
attempts at this form of evasion would
DC net by vigorous measures
To End Draft Opposition
Department officials also made it clear
that they would back up 10 the full ex-
tent of their authority the efforts OF To-
cal officials in the various committees to
put quick end to agitation against the
draft. The arrests made during the day
throughout the country were in accord
ance with instructions sent from Wash
ington, directing federal agents every
where 10 take prompt legal steps against
anyone seeking to influence elieibIes to
refuse to register.
Discussing reports that many young
men were leaving the country to avoid
military service, Sec rotary Baker said to-
day he did not believe any substantial
number of Americans would take that
course. He added that the law was of
such visor that it would he found that
any evasion gained in this way was only
temporary
Another aspect of military registration
came up during the day when resistra-
ton officials throughout the country were
Informed that answers would not be re-
quired to the question on the registration
cards as to whether the individual claims
exemption and on what grounds. The
department has reached the conclusion
that no man should be required to claim
exemption. There are many who do not
care to do so and under the new ruling
none will be required to state his position
until he is summoned for actual service
and comes up before an examination
board.
Registration Advice
Through the committee of public nfor-
nation, Gen. Crowder appealed to the
press Of the country today to give a
prominent place daily to an outline of tn.
essential facts in regard to the registra-
ton process. The statement from the
committee outlines the facts for which
publicity Of the widest sort is desired, as
follows:
WHO MUST REGISTER: All male
persons Citizens or aliens) born between
the sixth day of June, 1856, and the fifth
day Of June. 1885, both dates inclusive, eX-
cept Members of any duly organized
force military or navy, subject to be
called ordered or drafted into military or
naval service Of the United States; includ-
ing all officers and enlisted men of the
regular army, regular army reserve Off
GERS reserve corps. enlisted mems reserve
corps, national guard. and national guard
reserve recognized by militia bureau. the
navy and marine corps, coast guard. ma
val militia. naval reserve force, marine
corps reserve. and national naval volun-
teers. recognized by the navy department.
WHEN On Tuesday, June 5th 1917.
between A. NJ. and F. NJ.
WHERE: In your home precinct
HOW: Go in person June to the req
istration place Of your home precinct II
Won expect TO be absent from home June
:. 20 at once to the clerk of the county
where you now happen to be, or If in
city of $1,000 or over to the city clerk and
follow his instructions; If sick send
competent friend. The clerk may depu-
the him to file your card.
PENALTY FOR NOT REGISTER
ING: Liability. to years imprisonment,
then enforced registration.