The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-06-26
PRESIDENT OPPOSES
CHAN CT IN DRAFT AGES

GIlAM u[ IN UnArl Ad[0
Washington, June 26.-Extension
OF the draft ages above and below
the limits-2l to 80 years-was dis
cussed at length in the senate late
yesterday during consideration of
an amendment by Senator Fall of
New Mexico, to the $l2,000,0000 900
army appropriation bill to substi-
tute lS years as the minimum and
45 years as the maximum. The sem
ator revised the amendment, making
the ages 20 to 40 and eliminating a
provision that youths under Il
should not be called into active
military service.
Disposal of the amendment and a
substitute by Senator Hitchcock of
Nebraska went over until tomorrow,
with sentiment in the senate appar-
emily divided. Some senator's re-
garded it as probable some express
sion might come from the admin
istration, particularly in view of a
report circulated at the capital that
President Wilson opposes, for the
present at least, any change in the
age limits and deplores agitation for
their extension at this time.
For and Against.
In the senate the Fall amendment
was vigorously supported by Sena-
tor Reed of Missouri, and others.
Opposition was voiced by Senator
McKeller of Tennessee and Kirby
of Arkansas, all Democratic mem-
bers of the military committee,
while several other senators de-
clared they favored raising the max
imum draft age, but opposed lower
ing the minimum.
Senator Hitchcock's substitute
amendment fixes the age limits at 20
and 40, respectively, and provides
citizens of the allied countries resi-
dent in the United States shall be
subject to draft and that nationals
of neutral countries who claim ex-
emption shall be barred from Amer
lean citizenship.
Imperative and immediate neces-
sity for an increase of America
manpower in the war was the prin-
cipal argument of those favoring the
amendment, while opponents based
their objections principally upon the
contention there are sufficient men
now available to meet the war de-
partment's program and that neither
the president nor the department
has asked or approved the proposed
extension of the law.
Soon Exhaust Class One.
1t was freely predicted class one
would soon be exhausted and that
unless the age limits are raised there
will be disruption of industry with
consequent effect upon the war pro-
gram.
Explaining that he favored raising
the age limit, Senator Shields OF
Tennessee suggested that by lower
ing the age to Is, youths would be
taken from farms and still further
cripple food production. Senator
Chamberlain said older men no,
qualified for military service could
be substituted on the farms.
Opposing the amendment, Senator
Kirby of Arkansas, a military COM
mittee member who opposed the
original draft law, said it is unnec-
essary at this time, and has not been
approved either by President VIII
son or the war department. Sena-
tor Fall observed that the depart
ment had not disapproved the Plan
and that General Crowder has en-
dorsed its principle.
Senator Chamberlain said the wal
could not be waged without the sup
port of the people and he did not
believe the country would Stano
for drafting men under IL, al
though he favored the proposal.
1T is estimated there are between
the ages of Fl and 81 about eleven
million men," said Senator Pomer-
enc. "Of that number, one and
half million have been called to the
colors. What need is there for re-
ducing the age"
Senator Chamberlain said an ex-
animation of General Crowder
testimony before the military com
mittee would reveal the reason, but
he did not believe it wise to state
that reason now.
"If we don't make change" the
Oregon senator continued, we WI
find ourselves drawing upon other
classes, and it is better to step over
30 and take the man without de-
pendents who loafs around bal
rooms."