Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1917-08-18
"OCCUPATIONAL EXlGNIPTIONS.n

The Richmond (Va.) Times. d dispatch
In a recent issue seems to consider
itself and the people, buncoed by tho
advocates Of the selective draft sys-
tcm II we are to believe all that it
says In its editorial comment under
the caption, "Occupational Exemp-
TONS" 1t says:
ost-Marshal-G General Crowder's
statement to the Council of National
Defense that coal miners are not to
be relieved from military duty as a
class" gives us an intimation OF the
governments policy In dealing with
tho important question Of, exemptions
because OF needful occupations. We
were all urged to support tho selective
ar9tt system on the primary ground
that under such system, men who
were least needed at home could he
called; that farmers, munition work
ers and ship carpenters, for instance.
might not be taken away from their
labors while Ioafers, slackers and
other nonproducers escaped
rms was sound reasoning, and when
Great Britain's early experience was
cited to support it, many people
hitherto welded to the volunteer svs-
tenn became earnest advocates Of the
CONSUMPTION measure. That measure
became law, and we are now engaged
IN forming an army OF more than
l,ooo'0oO men under it. All Of us ac-
aeptcd IN good faith the assurance
ehat the draft would be operated to
exclude these classes Of men whose
iaDor at home would do more to fur
ther the war than could their service
In the field.
When the regulations outlining the
exemption processes were first Dub-
1shed 1t was noted that little light
was thrown upon the question of &C.
cupatlonal exemptions. Certain broad
CONCENTRATIONS were INDUCED in for
inc guidance of the district boards,
"nlcii oodles nave exclusive jurisdic-
ton in the matter, but no definite in
uscatloh was given as to the purposes
oil the government in dealing with
concrete cases.
1t pursues the subject further when
it remarks:
go, '''''f'' -. i.'.,.,. r. .,'r,...4
Ii coal mining Is not a "needful"
industry in the present situation, it is
difficult to point to an industry that is.
Battlesh1ps and merchant ships must
have fuel, and have it in amending
quantities. Munition plants must
have 1t, and have plenty of it. Our
allies are clamoring for coal Italy
threatening to lay down if she fails
to got it. All OF lis must have coal
If domestic business is to thrive or
the people are to be kept warm in
winter. Coal is a prime necessity If
any product OF the land can be SO
regarded.
But we mention coal in this con-
nectiOn only because General Crowder
himself singled it out. There are other
industries no less vital to our war
efficiency, industries that require the
labor OF young and able,bodied men.
1t would seem, in the circumstances,
that the administration might give
serious and immediate attention to
this question. The country, no less
than the district exemption boards
themselves, are entitled to more than
general statements in this connection
Men who are engaged in occupations
manifestly necessary to the prosecu.
ton Of the war should have the GOV
eminent reinsurance that If they file
claims Ior occupational exemptions
they are not to be classed as shirkers.
This is a case Of speaking out in
the meeting" This. too, Is an age
for promising one thing and for doing