The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-08-31

cation of drafted youths under 2t was expressed by several senators, de- nouncing the action of the war depart ment in taking over schools and col- leges as socialistic.
 Senator Chamberlain explained that the Senate conferees receded on the work or fight provision and agreed to it's elim- ination from the man power bill because they believed the President, under ex- isting acts, has power to accomplish the same results as the amendment sought.
 But didn't the amendment require this to be done, while under the present act it is discretionary" asked Senator Mo. Cumber of North Dokato.
 The thing is discretionary under this amendment as the President is author ized to formulate rules and regulations in order to carry it into effect" was the reply
 The Penrose amendment to exempt reg istrants from claiming draft exemption, Senator Chamberlain explained was elim-
 mated because it would delay the new registration by making necessary re- printing millions of questionnaires and other official forms and because new reg istrations to accomplish the same ob- ject already are in process of issuance.
 BADGES UNNECESSARY
 The amendment of Senator France of Maryland, proposing insignia for men eiven deferred classification for essen- tial work, the chairman said. was strick- en because such badges are believed un- necessary at 1his tirne The plan was IuH tccessfuly tried in one state.
 The separate resolution to supplement the Fall amendment. giving homestead rights to youths drafted under 21, was in. troduced by Senator Chamberlain with a favorable report from the public lands committee To prevent speculation ir youths relinquishing and filing rights the resolution would require six months residence on homesteads before they could be transferred. with penalties of $lUV fines and two years Imprisonment for speculation, fraud upon the entrants or charging of fees in connection with them.
 While rot objecting to giving boys under 2 years of age the same homesteaG rights as those above that age, Senator Jones of New Mexico, former Assistant Secretary of the Interior, objected to thc provision, expressing the opinion tha. IL would not have the effect desired by it's supporters and would result in prevent ing much public land being kept tied up unnecessarily.
 Senators Walsh and Nelson urged that the New Mexico senator not press his opposition at this time, declaring that passage of the supplementary resolutions at any time within the next months would meet the situation, while the prompt disposal of the pending bill was imperative.
 WORK PROVISION IMPORTANT
 Elimination of the work or fight pub lk.ation was deplored by Senator Thom as. it's author. who said he considered that provision as important, If not more so. than any other in the bill. He de- clared that labors demands almost al- ways have been granted, stimulating further demands and predicted that there would be strikes until the public patience is exhaused. He praised Fuel Administrator Garfield's refusal to grant demands of the United Mine Workers. The present work or fight regulation never has been enforced, cluded with declaration that work men who are exempted to work and fail to do their duty, are traitors "stabbing out soldiers in the back" Elimination of the Thomas amend ment also was severely criticized by Senator McCumber of North Dakota. Whats back of it all?" he asked "Cowardice. political cowardice." There was applause from the gallery Saying he meant that senators fear in- fiuencs of labor organizations, he added:
 "Yoi will fnd 1t doesn't pay to be 'cowardly. either on the battle front or in the United States Senate"