Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-17
Government IS SEEKING
HELP OF SKILLED men
Council of Defense Outlines Ways by
Which Men Not Subject to Draft
May Help.
ORGANIZE PUBLIC RESERVE
As War Plans Proceed More and
More Skilled Work Is Needed in
Other Than Strictly Military Lines.
Many Offer Their Services.

Plans arc being considered by the
Virginia Council OF Defense. in CO.
operation with the United States De-
partment of Labor. to utilize the SER
vices Of great number OF men. who.
while desiring to serve the United
States in the war with Germany, are
prevented from participating in actual
military duty because OF physical de-
fects dependent relatives at home. or
for other reasons which cause the gov
eminent to believe that they can be
or more service to the country at home
than abroad.
The council yesterday issued the fol-
lowing statement:
The Department OF Labor announces
that it has inaugurated plan for
mobilizinG adult male volunteers for
service in employments of every kind.
public and private. which are neces-
sary TO the effective conduct of the
war. Those who are willing to en-
gage in such service, whether in a
voluntary or wage earning capacity,
are asked to enroll as members OF the
United States public reserve. Detailed
information as to the qualifications OF
each member will be secured, studied
and recorded. Arrangements have been
made to get prompt information of
opportunities for service. Available
members will be put in touch with
governmental departments and other
employers who need men for work of
value to the nation.
CERTIFICATE AND BADGE
TO BE GIVEN EACH MEMBER
"A certificate of enrolment and an
appropriate badge or button will be
given each member. The application
form of the reserve states: hereby
apply for membership in the United
States Public Service Reserve. United
States Department of Labor, and re-
quest registration in its records of the
accompanying description of my train
ing. experience, aptitudes, and capacity
for service l further request the
United States Public Service Reserve,
whenever it learns Of need. in pub
lie or private employment. for service
in the national interest OF a man of
my qualifications. TO notify me, with
full particulars. including duties and
compensation, and thereby afford me
an opportunity to assist under the
auspices of the reserve. 1 make this
application because / desire practi-
cal opportunity in this war emergency
to contribute personal service by do
ing work that will aid the general
welfare"
The success of the Department of
Labor in creating the boys working
reserve had led it to organize the
United States Public Service reserve.
in order that many citizens who are
eager to give their services to the
nation may be brought in touch with
the ever-Growing demand for men.
Within the past few weeks thousands
of applications for advice and direc-
ton have been received in Washing
ton from persons who desire to serve
the country to the best of their abil-
ity. regardless of sacrifice.
The need for such service is growing
rapidly. AS the country progresses in
the prosecution of the war, more and
more labor of all kinds. from the I'M
skilled to the most mighty trained,
must he made available. In order to
get the necessary men with the least
disturbance Of existing industries. all
sources not now profitably utilized
must be awaited of.
In addition TO those whose applica-
tions are already on file there are
countless men who might be Of value
in essential occupations who are either
not now employed or who are engaged
in pursuits which might be laid aside
temporarily, and others whose services
during vacation might be used.
USE SERVICES OF MANY
TOO OLD FOR DRAFT
The purpose of this organization is
not only to reach those persons who
are exempted from the draft, but all
men who are not called into actual SER
vice, and especially those who are
either too old or too young to be eligi-
BILE for the draft. The number of
Virginia men who have sent in appli-
cations for some kind of service has
been enormous. Some offer their per
sonal services. some the use of their
farm lands. and some offer both The
office has been flooded with applica-
tons.
The following are some of the vari-
Gus kinds OF service for which Vir-
GINA applicants have expressed quail
fications: Agriculture. architect clcri-
cal attorney. attorney. chemist photo
Garphcr. clerk (male and female), sales
man, grocer, merchant, stenogapher,
engineer CONSTRUCTION, electrical me-
chanical. mininE). linguist. lamberman.
ma chinist manufactures (steel, nitric
acid eye glasses. harness). pork packer,
military, surgeon, railroad (transpor-
ia ton. traffic, clericaD, soldier teacher,
and other miscellaneous work.
The Council of Defense is at work
now trying TO make arrangements by
which these valuable services can be
utilized in Virginia, and it is be-
licvcd that in short while every pa
triotic person who wishes to do his
part in the war. whether by personal
activity or by lending the use of his
property, will have an opportunity to
do So