Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-07-21
VINO SHALL Be EXEMPTED

Whu SHALL 6E EASMP IeUf
Perhaps the most burning question in
this country today is what shall be
exempt from military service of those
drawn yesterday That claims for ex-
emption will be numerous was expect
ed. That was the main reason that
double the number of names was
drawn.
The government has already pledged
itself that no exemptions shall be based
on class or class of occupation. 1t was
wise and necessary pledge for ex-
erptions based on class or occupa-
ton to any considerable extent would
bring an outcry of protest that would
amount to an instruction. The draft
is agreed to by the American people
but the draft must be fair and honest
and fall fairly and honestly.
The grounds of exemption as stated
upon the form issued by the govern
ment are:
ol1lCeIS Vi me I'LL Ste1tSSD thC
states, territories and the District Of
Columbia.
Ministers of religion.
Students of divinity.
Persons in the military or naval SER
vice of the United States
Subjects Of Germany.
All other aliens who have not taken
out first papers.
County or municipal officers.
Custom house clerks.
Workmen in federal arsenals army
or naval yards. .
Persons in the federal service des-
ignated by the president TO redemption.
Pilots, merchant marine sailors, those
with dependents Ga married man with
dependent wife or child, son Of de-
pendent widow, son of an aged or in
firm parent, or a brother of a depend
ent orphaned child under 16 years Of
age.)
Those found morally deficient and
any member of any well organized re-
ligious sect existing May is, 1917,
whose creed forbids participation in
war and whose religious convictions
accord with the creed
These exemptions are automatic.
verification of the truth Of the claim
is the only duty Of the local board. If
the facts are as stated the man is ex-
empt. Appeals from local exemption
boards and claims for special exemp-
ton go up to the district board
There is no exemption for any class.
The impression that those engaged in
agriculture are exempt is mistaken
one. Occupation does not confer exemp-
ton on any person.
Those are the rules of the game. If it
is fairly played there can be no justi-
fled complaint against examiners and
exemption boards. The rules as set
forth should guide the exemption
boa rds of the district. Given straight
forward and honest board whose de-
cisions are based on the rules laid down
and uninfluenced by fear or favor there
will be small complaint against it's op-
Grafton.
The character of the membership Of
the boards is the vital point in the ex-
emption prospect. And Of vital points
in the operation OF the board is the
medical examiner. None but men of
skill, judgment and impeccable integ-
rity should hold that important place.
Upon the medical examiner every in
fluence will be center by those who en-
deavor to escape military duty. His is
the hardest tack and calls for the
strongest man 1t is not position to
crave but it Is one that il accepted is
to be occupied with the strictest integ-
rity and conference with conscience.
| The medical examiner who should i'm
press the public that he was favoring
| friends or amenable to influences out
side the proper conduct OF his office
| location.
Men with dependents, actual depend
lihood are properly exempt. But the
fact Of dependence should be strictly in
quired into in all fairness. This draft
is most serious and important thing
to those affected by 1t. 1t must be con-
Quoted with justice and not upon
sympathy.