Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-03-07
NO NEW DIVISIONS
CREATED IN 1918
100000 Men to Be Called Grad
ually during Years to Fill
Existing Units.
DRAFT CALL DELAYED.
War Dept. Has No Intention III Intc.-
Foyv Men Called Prior June 1.

Washington, March 6.-Whsle large
number TO men will be called out during
the present year to fill UP the army and
tonight that war department plans do
not call for the creation Of anay addi"
tional divisions in 1918. The announce
ment concerning the second draft expect
ed soon from Provost Marshal-General
Crowder may outline the manner in which
less than 100000 men-probably not much
in excess Of 100000 are to be summoned
gradually during the year to complete the
existing organizations.
Delay in the announcement as to the
next draft is understood to be due to un-
certainty as to which method of alloting
quotas has passed and the House military
committee has favorably reported an
amendment to the law to base the quota
on the number Of men in class one instead
of upon the total registration of a State
This change is regarded as certain to De
made, but to avoid further delay sched-
ules of allotments under both systems
have been prepared at provost marshal
generals Office ready to go out as soon as
final action Is taken.
As to the date of the second draft,
members of Congress from agricultural
sections, have been practically assured
that no withdrawal of men from civil
life was contemplated which would en-
barrass harvesting. 1t has been indi-
Gated however, that a relatively small
number of men must be called to the
colors prior to June l. and that the process
may start in April, when equipment,
clothing and quarters will be available.
The men are needed to fill up the full
strength divisions slated for early depar-
ture to Europe and also for field army
and corps troops not attached to divisions.
The replacement detachments also must
| go forward at an accelerating rate since
American troops are now actually hold
| ing a sector Of the French front and men
are being killed or wounded in action
| every day.
The completion Of the full program OF
the war department without creating any
additional divisions probably will absorb
in the neighborhood Of 100000 men. The
extent to which 1t has been necessary tc
increase artillery quotas throughout the
army and to add special units of all sorts
| has surprised every officer and accounts
| for the existing shortages to a large ex'
| tent.
The number Of replacement troops neces
sary is worked out in scientific way
based on experience at the front. nxe'
percentage for each arm of the servic
is established. Among the non-combatan
arms, this is very small; but 1t quite higl
among front line troops. While ofiicia
Figures are not available 1t is estimate'
that something more than 100000 will b
necessary for the 1918 program, MAXIM
800 900 necessary to call out during thi
year.
The last ircrements of the first draf
now In process of mobilization. totallin
about $4,000 men are being used to II
regular and national guard division
shown by their efficiency reports to b
available for early duty abroad Some q
, the men are being used also to fill up tn
special forces although an additions
source Of supply for highly specialize
technical units Is being used continuousl!
This is by special drafts of particular
qualified men Of the trades necessary. o.
ders were issued to-day to local board
: calling for 52S artisans Of various sort
; for non .combatart units.
; Even with all OF the frst draft me
} modified there are considerab
; deficiencies among the national arm
. and come Of the national guard division
The frat purpose of the second draft WI
; lie TO make up this shortage.