Evening journal., 1918-06-28
Wilson'S MEASURE
TO Be sweeping
Opposition TO Change in
Draft Age Limit Due TO
Larger Scheme
EXPERTS FRAME
ANOTHER BILL

WASHINGTON. June 2s.-The reason
back Of the War Departments an
nounced opposition for the present to
changes in the draft age limits is the
conversion Of President Wilson 10 the
support OF the plans for the establish
mcnt Of universal military training In
The United States.
This became known in the Senate
yesterday, although no mention >of the
Presidents change Of base was made
upon the floor and the debate over the
FAN amendment Of the Army Appro-
priation bill changing the age limits
from p 20 81 20 from IS 10 IS, coniin-
ued until the conclusion Of today's sos-
sion without vote being reached,
The War Department months ago con-
Quoted an Investigation OF vital stalls
ties regarding the man power OF the
United States with a view 10 formula
ton ofdraft legislation and TO the posi-
bic Incorporation IN such legislation Of
provision for the establishment OF a
system Of universal military training
The results Of IFS deliberatlon and the
conclusions % the group Of experts
who worked on this important assign
ment have never been brought 10 light
Senatorial seekers after the report Of
The investigators have failed repeatedly
10 obtain satisfaction Of the War De-
partment.
Very recently President Wilson came
10 the opinion that IN the framing OF
new legislation dealing with the selec-
Tive draft law it would be necessary 20
prepare q measure which would take
into consideration not only the present
war eXigency. but the postwar period
OF international readiustment.
Although heretofore a consistent n
not publicly announced opponent OF
universal service. the President has LET
10 be known 90 close friends that In his
opinion something must be done 90
provide for a regular and established
0Xed annual increment OF soldiers for
the army OF the United States. al least
for The period In which The world dis
traught and in turmoil after the war
shall be readiusting itself 20 meet the
stupendous alter tion which political
maps and boundary lines have under
gone.
The President has realized that war
measures viii repeal themselves with
the ending OF hostllitles and the pro-
mulgation OF peace. and yet nominal
peace may not be free from the menace
OF possibly resumed strife TO preserve
world law and world order. and that
The nation once out of the war will have
duties 20 perform which VIII require
at least a trained force ready for trans
mutation into a fighting force for years
10 come.
This change OF position the President
/ related 90 close friends several weeks
/ ago. He has not taken the Senate into
/ his confidence nor are the men whom
he has made acquainted with his de-
sires members Of either house Of Con-
gross.
The President viii not send FOR the
Congressional leaders before the pres
eniation Of the War Departments new
plan for readiusting age limits under
the draft law. but when the plan
energies from the hands Of the experts
now engaged IN framing it IL VIII be
sent 10 Congress as q concrete plan out
OF which necessary legislation 10 put
it into effect may be drafted into law.
The framework OF the proposed new
law Is only partly complete now The
details have not been disclosed nor are
they likely 70 be until that time In
September when. according 10 the
promises made by Secretary Of War
Baker 10 the senate Committee on
Military Affairs. the views Of the Nd
minlstration as 10 draft limit ages will
be set before Congress.
The President desires That the pro- |
posed universal military training plan
shall be his own. When u Is finished
and ready for presentation In Congress
70 will be. II his wishes are followed,
an Administration measure for which
the Administration and not any legis-
laiors previously active IN the cause OF
universal military training will figure.