The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-12
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From Baltimore. Trades-Unionist. J

(From Baltimore Trades-U nionist.)
The administration is fully aware
of the service our country requires of
its citizens and of the obligation the
government assumes to those who are
rendering service. In addition to Sc
curing the enactment of the just and
magnificent Soldiers and Sailors
Compensation and Insurance Law,
the office of the Judge Advocate
General under the immediate super
vision of John H. Wigmore, prepared
for congressional action an equally
important measure known as the Sol
diers and Sailors Civil Rights bill
which was introduced in the house
of representatives during the last
session and will come up for action
when congress convenes in Deem
Der.
Many of the men called to the
cOlors were in business or had finan-
cial obligations of some sort or other
Through the necessity of making sud
den changes in their work or bust
ness relations many will be unable to
meet obligations incurred and will be
unable to protect themselves or their
property in court proceedings. 1t is
an old thought that the government
ought to protect it's fighting citizens
against any economic disadvantage to
them through enforced absence. Dur
ing the Civil war the states endeav-
ored to pass such legislation but were
hampered by the constitutional pro-
vision which forbids states to enact
legislation impairing contracts. The
Federal government, however, is not
affected by this constitutional li1nita-
ton and is fully authorized to act
under it's war powers. Practically
every belligerent nation has passed
| legislation of this character. Our
government has the advantage of
their experiences
The proposed legislation was drawn
under the direction of one of the
most distinguished legal scholars of
the country. The measure is not only
fully appreciative of the rights of en-
listed persons but also of those still
engaged in the civil industries of this
country. The measure is extremely
flexible and does not arbitrarily pre-
vent the execution of all claims
against persons in military service:
1t provides that claims against SOL
diers and sailors that should be paid
shall not be interfered with. This
f1exibility is necessary to prevent
complete disorganization of credit
anad hence of the entire industrial
! and commercial world.
There is no hindrance to due pro-
cess of law, but when case affect
ing an enlisted person comes up in
court he is then accorded OppOrtun-
ity to show disability to comply with
the terms of obligation to reason of
military service. In addition to pro-
viding for suspending court proceed
ings during the soldiers and sailors
enforced absence and stay of execu
ton the following protection is pro-
vided:
Protecting equity held in property
through building loan associations.
Preventing the eviction of dependents
of soldiers and sailors within certain
restrictions for non-payment Of rent.
Preventing foreclosures on houses or
furniture bought on the installment
plan. Preventing foreclosures on
mortgages. Arrangements for the
government to carry premiums on
not more than $4,000 of life insur-
ance of a man in military service un-
able to pay the premium. Postpone
! ment of payment Of taxes. Rights
| in any public land shall not. be for
| feited or prejudiced through failure
to perform any work or improvements
! because of absence in service. Pro-
lection of the rights of soldiers and
sailors reported missing but who
| later are found to be alive.
| All of the situations and the pro-
| visions provided in the measure are
based upon the disabilities arising
through military service. It needs no
argument to prove that enlisted men
| can render better service to the ma
ton when assured that their rights
are protected and that by reason of
| their absence those dependent upon
| them will not suffer unnecessarily
On the other hand, those still in civil
life will be heartened to do their part
! by the assurance that their rights will
be protected and that the govern
| ment will see that justice is done. In
| addition, the measure will act as a
| steadying force in the industrial
world and will act as a check upon
those who would take advantage of
men in military service to despoil
them of their possessions however
small. The masses of the people who
will be primarily benefited by such
| legislation urge upon congress the
necessity of speedy and favorable &C
ton.