Evening star., 1918-08-14
18-TO-45P[AN|S
GROWING IN FAVOR
Public More Acquiescent as
New Draft Measure Is Be-
ing Studied.
TO STABILIZE INDUSTRY

As the underlying motives Of the
administration's request for extension
of the draft age limits to eighteen to
forty-five years begin to become ap-
parent there are indications of a more
acquiescent state of public opinion.
At first blush the suggestion Of reduc-
tion of the draft age to eighteen was
an unpleasant shock. and not with
out opposition.
eighteen is not sufficiently formed in
character, or in physique, for that
matter, to make good material for the
Army. The idea of the lads being
interrupted in their educational
proposition grated upon the average
mother father and big brother. No
one found any particular fault with
extending the draft age upward, as
present age Of thirty-one can be
found available and willing for serv-
Not to Rush Boys to Front
After explanations OF the practical
working out of the new draft pre-
scriptions the sentiment is swinging
cen. 1t is certain that no boys of that
age will be rushed Immediately into
the fighting line of the Army. They
will be placed under military train
ng many ssrs Of them ,sav in the taaS aaS
or in the vicinity of their homes. 1t is
conceded that the country now indorses
military training.
1t is realized that when the young
men are called upon for actual service,
IN that necessity arises thew will Tins
be better prepared to go to the train
ing fields in Europe for instruction in
the last word in military preparation
for conflict. Those whose education
has been interfered with will be given
exceptional opportunities after the
war to resume academic courses.
Will Stabilize Industry.
Over and above these considerations.
however. is another more important still,
realization of which is gradually COM
ing to the public. The new man-power
industrial conditions at home and to as
sort the citizenship of the country into
classes where the males can render the
most effective service to their country,
in the Judgment Of the directing powers
which are conversant with all the neces-
stiles Of tho occasions as they may
arise
Through the system of questionnaires
which will be feature Of operating the
selectfve draft, the authorities will be
abba to locate the energy and ability
OF the male population SO as best to
apply 1t. There will be lessened chance
OF square pegs In round holes. when the
time comes to avail of the services Of
the selected ones.
TO Put Check on I. W. w.
In this plan of stabilixing indus
try, the new draft will give the
government powerful hold upon la
hor Of all classes. The new law. as
now proposed, will contain a strin-
gent provision to prevent the /. w. W.
and the anarchists from doing dam
age by interfering with industry. It
Is not aimed at patriotic labor. the
kind which has made such a glorious
record in the country by keeping
the works going" but it will effectual-
~ suppress the disaffected whose mall
contentism at home would work in
the interest of the enemy abroad.
It will be noted that the ages from
eighteen to forty-five will take in
the great bulk of physically efficient
labor in the country. The men in
this class will be classified either to
work or fight, and when those who
are designated to do their part by
working in the supply lines show
signs Of yielding to propaganda Of
disaffection they can be sent into the
counter an iron discipline. Disaf-
mutiny means facing a firing squad.