The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-03-19

doctors of divinity, but draft dodgers l. may or may not be a case of the truth hurting. At any rate, the D. D.'s regret that the trench dwellers apply that title, and would have 1t so ar ranged that they might recline in peace and amity by the sides of their martial brothers. They declare, furthermore. that the man of battle hoots when they appear and they further aver that com missioned officers decline to return their salntes.
 Representative Seigel of New York went to Adjt Gen. Mccain with a state ment of the alleged facts. The general listened in patience. He then expressed regret that the fate of the field clerks was not even more delightful. He spoke as if he would have them not only inn mune from danger, but possessed of the love and veneration even of rbe men who had taken place on the firing line. He might not. in his heart, have been so cordial. But Mir Siegel was given, in every respect, a sympathetic hearing.
 The general, having heard the case, asked if the representative could name any field clerk who could give first hand and authentic information. The representative is said to have nominated his brother, who is in servce-not as a bearer of burdens, but as a transcriber
 
 cabled for the brother, whose arrival is pected within a week or more. FIELD CLERK IS NECESSITY There is no question but that the field clerk is necessary. 1t is probably true that an expert in stenography can rem der service as valuable as the man with the rifle. It is probable, also, that the stenographer of an able body and youth ft ic .~f ohi than very tender or the very aged. At the same time, it is regarded as natural that the man who stands in the mire of mud and blood risking his life and limb In defense of honor and country, should reel a pity akin to contempt for the man who renders his service behind stone walls, through which no bullet can go. The man who bares his breast to the raging of the tempest has no respect for the amiable burgher who enfolds him self in a feather bed when the wind blows. The poor man entertains an idea that the rich man is soft and effemi- nate, and therefore of little value. And thus it is with the man who faces death when he contemplates the pampered clerk amtling, his work completed, with Mamie or Florizel along the shaded pavements of bonny France.
 SITUATION IN WASHINGTON In Washington, the populace is regis tering a kick against the retention at home by the war department of stall wart young Apollos who call themselves and are called "lieutenants" and 'cap- tains" whereas they fill places which might be filled by ordinary clerks of either sex, or cripples who have suffered wounds in defense of the flag. The streets are full of them. They flock to dance halls in the early evening, and fatten themselves on the insinuating graces of young women. The populace may be moved through envy. But the porulace is moved. It says the war de- partment may retain in clerical service any one it selects, but in decency should force these clerks to wear insignia which would make it possible for one to dis criminate between the man in wom- ans job" and the embryonic hero who may soon figure in a casualty list The populace is anxious always to honor the young soldier who Is about to die. But the populace would relieve it. self of the danger of waking up some morning to realize that it's votaries of the night before were directed to the shrine of one who will never smell gun powder, but who, nevertheless, wears the uniform which is, within itself, badge 1 of honor.
 1 It is subject of perpetual debate in Washington. Frequently one gnashes his teeth in rage
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