Evening journal., 1918-07-15
BY MILTON BRONNER
n. d. A. STAR Correspondent.

n. T.. \. ctdI correspondent.
WASHINGTON, July i5.-Nlany Of the
belligerent nations have proclaimed a
moratorium which relieves people from
payment Of certain debts during the war
and there are many who think our Sol
diers' and Sailors Civil Relief Act does
the same thing for Americans in the
armed service OF their country.
But It doesn't do so automatically. II
puts the decision up TO the courts in
the mems home cities and states.
In the second place II is believed all
relief, under the law, extends for six
months after peace Is proclaimed. 1t
doesn't. In many cases It extends for
three months after the war ends.
The bill was enacted 70 prevent in
Jury TO the civil rlghts OF men in the
armed service, so that th"s could de-
vote their whole energy to the job Of
licking the Hun. The idea was to re-
lleve the man with small means Of the
worry that his little home might be
sold during his absence, or that his de-
pendents might be evicted. No man can
secure a default Judgment against a sol
dler or sailor. In any court action
against a man in the military service,
the judge may stay all proceedings, in
cluding the execution OF judgment, for
the period OF military service, and for
three months thereafter.
No eviction from the premises occu-
pied by the dependents Of man In mill
tsry service, where the rental does not
exceed $50 per month. shall be made ex-
cept by leave. OF court.
Some OF the other provisions OF the
law may best be illustrated by exam
pies.
FIRST-A man carrying a mortgage
goes TO war and Is unable TO keep up
payments. VIII interest and principal
be collectable Immediately six months
after the warg
ANSWER-Any action 10 foreclose a
mortgage during military service may
be stayed by the court, after hearing
either on the judges own motion or
upon application by the defendant or
someone representing him. Therefore
II a man does not keep up payments
while away in the war. his property
may not be sold, provided his private
income is not such that he could keep
up the payments. Both interest and
principal are cOllectable within three
months after the war ends.
SECOND-Suppose man leased an OF
flce for a long period. Does his enlist
ment terminate the lease. or is he liable
for rent for the total time upon his re-
turn7
ANswER-His enlistment does not ter
inmate the lease. II he is gone SO
months and does not pay rent during
that absence, II is due when he returns.
THIRD-Suppose a man Is buying a
house and is unable to make payments
while in service. Must he sacrifice his
property upon enlistment, or must he
nav all the accumulated charges upon
his return2
ANSWER-The man does not lose his
property. The court may either order
ihe property returned to the creditor
after ali prior installments have been
repaid TO the defendant. or order stay
Of proceedings. But the soldier in case
Of such a stay, will owe all the INSTALL
ments which fell due during the period
OF his service.
The above answers are only foundeu
unon the best opinions | could get from
he attorneys in the office Of the Judge
Advocate General Of the army. Ihe
Anal answer can only be written by the
courts and the last chapter VIII be
written by the United States supreme
Court.