The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-07-16

WASHINGTON, u. C., july 10
THE chance are very good that 4
very large majority OF the soldiers
both in camps at home ard abroad
will not get to vote this year. Few
states have Laws covering the matter
and few Of these are said 10 conform
with the regulations on the voting
question announced by the adlutant
general Of the army.
Inquiry was directed to tia; officer
by recent statement given out in
West Virginia b. Republican National
Committeeman Virgil l.. Highland in
which he discussed the inadeguaCy
of the law in that state and suggested
TO Governor COrnwell the calling of
a special session % the Legislature 10
pass law WHICH would more surely
guarantee the Soldiers their suffrage
rights. The inquiry developed that
the official regulation 10 govern The
taking Of the soldier vote in the train
ing camps in this country and in the
American expeditionary forces. i'm
pose virtually tho entire burden OF the
collection OF the vote upon the states,
and Adjutant General Mccain urges
that state collection laws be amended
TO conform 10 the military regulation.
That was Mr.. Highlands suggestion
to Governor Cornwell.
Although the War department prom
jses to render every possible assist
ance 10 election COMMISSIONS appoint.
ed to poll the soldier vote. the re-
striction Is imposed that such assist
ance will be given "only when COM
patible with the exigencics of the mil
itary service" aud. the regulations
add. "in most instances II VIII be i'm
practicable to permit commissions to
take the vote
This restriction. II was explained. Is
necessary to prevent the confusion
which 1. is believed would result from
the movements OF commissions from
all or majority OF the states among
the soldiers in Europe. II a large
number OF such commissions were
sent 70 France. War Department Off
ciais said. they would be obliged TO
travel up and down the battle lines
and necessarily would hamper Mill
tary operations.
The chief point made by the adiI'
tant general in announcing the resu.a'
tions was that the states should. as
far as possible, amend their election
laws coyerling the soldier vote 10 con-
form with me War department reGu'a'
tons. The military authorities. II was
stated. realize the importance o. the
right OF outrage OF mere than l,OOo.'
900 citizens. but they hold that only
the simplest form OF voting Is prac u
cable under military conditions a.
they exist m France.
Under Ire laws OF the states rs they
now stand II will he practicable for
! only n few OF the states to obtain the
votes CT their citizens in the military
service Tho Mississippi system.
which permits voting by mail. IL Is
held. lends II SELF most readily 10 COM
, piance with the War department reg
ulations. but even IN this instance
the regulations provide that vote lei
tcrs are 10 be subject 10 military cen
! sorship and are TO be opened. just as
/ other correspondence i5."
The regulations follow:
First. The War department will not
be responsible for obtaining votes.
but will assist wherever possible with
/ out interfering with military duties.
Second. II will not be possible TO
take the votes Of soldiers actually en-
gagged In military operations unless