The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-04-20
nay GRAFT men
Il TO 40 YEARS
GTOwder Would Place Labor
Under Control Of Army.
POWER TO CRUSH STRIKES

President Wilson Has Proposal P!ac-
ing 100000 More Men at Disposal
of United States.
Washington, April 20.-Plans for
;he registration of every man III the
United States between the ages of
Wenty-one and forty, under pro-
puSed amendment of the draft law,
nave been submitted to the president
~ Provost Marshal General EnOch H.
t'roWder.
The execution of such q draft pro-
gram, ii is pointed out, would Virtu-
ally place control of the labor situa
lion under military authorities and
would mobilize the entire man-power
of the United States for call to the
rolors as rapidly as military eNigen-
cieS dictate.
There has been no inkling from the
White House as yet regarding the
presidents view of the plan. How
ever. the mere fact that it has been
forwarded to the chief executive
would indicate. it is pointed out, that
it has gained the approval of the gen
eral staff, and at least Acting Secre-
tary of War CrOwell
Even though the president should
give the proposal his Endorsement, leg
iSlatiOn would be necessary to make
it effective Such legislation probably
would make it incumbent on regis
trants to fill out the QUESTIONABLE
used in the first draft; it would en-
power the war department to classify
men as regards dependency and en-
ployment in essential and noneSSen-
tial industries, and to further allocate
this industrial man-pOwer to the So
called essential war industries as it
sees fit.
Brigadier General Hugh H. John
son drafted the plan about a month
ago, submitting it to General Crowder
Il few days before he terminated his
services as deputy provost marshal
general to accept promotion from
colonel to brigadier general and as
sigDment to the quartermaster corps.
1t was learned that at the same time
the plan was presented to the presi-
dent it was outlined to leaders in the
senate and the house and to members
of the war council.
1t is understood the first draft of
the nlan contained a provision by
which there would ne no interference
with union labor, provided strikes
were for increases in wages and bet
ter living conditions. This provision,
however, was stricken out before the
plan was sent to the White House.
The final draft of the plan would
make strikes next to impossible, for
military authorities could break
strike in a day if they so desired, by
giving the strikers the alternative of
returning to work or going into the
army. At least, this is the opinion
expressed by those who have had the
privilege of studying the plan. In view
of this provision, it is only natural
to expect vigorous opposition from un-
ion labor leaders.
Officials eXplsin there is no inten-
ton of forcing men with dependents
into the army This applies not only
to men of the present draft age, but
also to men who would be liable for
duty if the proposed plan should be
made effective. General Crowder him
self has estimated that there are ap-
proxmately 100000 men in Glass l
now. This is sufficient to meet all
army needs for year. 1t is roughly
estimated that the proposed plan
would include approximately 10000
900 men could be put in the field in
future years if their services should
De needed.