The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-01-30
Secretary Baker Says War De-
partment Has Fixed No Date
for Another Draft
NEW LEGISLATION NEEDED
Next and Future Drafts Will be
Drawn From Registrars
Assigned to Glass 1

Assigned to Glass 1
Washington, Jan. 3O.-Expansion o
Americas fighting forces beyond thei
present strength depends upon sucl
factors as events abroad and the ship
ping situation, Secretary Baker salt
last night in disclosing that the wa
department has not fixed date for al
other draft, nor even determined how
many men shall be called.
When Mr.. Baker told the senate mil
itary committee Tuesday the United
States would have half a million II
France early this year and that in al
million and half could 60 across II
ships could be found to carry them, ne
referred to the divisions now in train
ing camps and those already in Eu
rope. Future developments will decide
what additional forces will be sent.
Increment Of Half Million
The secretary made clear today his
opinion that if events made it nee
essary to call out more than another
increment of half million men, the ex
ecutive authority to draft men fol
fighting units other than reserves
would be exhausted and further legis
lation by congress would be neces
sary. He said, however, that author
ity to call two increments of line sol
diers of 100000 each and such ad
ditional numbers for recruit battal
ions and special units, as the presl
dent may deem necessary the second
draft Nigh bring out in all as many
as million men.
Coming Of Age
The senate committee today tenta
lively approved legislation proposed
by the war department to provide for
the registration of youths attaining
the age of 81 years since June 3, au'
thorizing the fixing of quotas on the
basis of one class of the new classitl
cation and empowering the president
to call men needed for special indus
trial or other work. Provost Marshal
General Crowder appearing to explain
the bills told the committee it was
proposed to hold new drawing to
establish the order of liability of the
new registrants. When the new men
have been given their serial numbers
their names will be inserted in the
classes to which they may be assign
ed, according to plan now Delne
worked out.
New Men Class One
It is assumed, General Crowder said
that most of the new registrants vii
fall into class one, giving that class
this year total of some two million
men. From class one it is proposed tc
take the next and any future drafts.
In formal memorandum presenting
his views, the general also dlsaproveo
suggestions that the registration be
extended to men beyond the age of 81
saving the effort of classification is sc
great and so expensive, and the mum
Der of persons past 81 years wne
would fall in class one so small tna'
the task would not be worth whlle'
Over 81 Men Called
Although Secretary Baker toda!
reiterated his desire to have exempt
ed registered men who reach the age
Of 81 years without being called into
the military service, the committee re
fused to include such a provision II
the legislation. General Crowder ais
approved the suggestion. The Dill:
probably will be introduced In the
senate tomorrow and Senator Cham
berlain said tonight they would Df
pressed for early passage.
From Chairman Coffin OF the air
craft board the committee today secur
ed, behind closed doors, what severa
members termed most encouraging,
reports of the aviation program. Mr.
Coffin told about the success OF tn
Liberty motor, and outlined the co'or
dinated program of aviation produc
ton and operation arranged by tn
United States, England, France AM
Italy.
Aviation Program.
Although much of Mr.. Collins test
mony was confidential considerably
mart OF it will be made public, prop
ably next Thursday, when he Will d
cross examined in open session. Fu1
Their inquiry into the aviation service
will be made tomorrow, when Brlga
der General Squier, chief of the arm!
service. and Colonel Deeds, will ap
near. probably in executive session.
The committee had hoped to REGAL
Secretary Baker before the end OF tn
week for ross-examination, on M
statement yesterday Of army achieve
ments, but tonight Chairman Cham
berlain thought the aviation branc
would consume the next few days an
postpone Secretary Bakers return III
til next week.
The Reorganization Scheme.
Discussion of the controversy owe