Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-10-18
U. 5. Speeds Plan
To Induct Draftees
Ahead Of Schedule
! Of Every 20 Registrars
Will Be in Uniform
In Eight Months
Continued From First Page)


istration Of 114,341, took its place
ahead of the following States:
Maine, e6,11o; New Hampshire,
55,333; New Mexico, 69,763; Rhode
Island, 84,486; Utah, 65222, and
Vermont, 1884
Increase Beats Average.
The average increase shown by
the first II States over the pre-
dicted registration estimated on the
basis of the 1910 census was 1888
per cent. The District of Columbia,
however, showed a much larger in
crease with its figure of 114,34l &C
tual registrations as compared with
the estimate of $4,000.
Secretary Stimsons announce
ment of the selective service trainee
schedule contained one definite sur
prise-word that $4,000 of the men
called up would be assigned directly
to the elite corps of modern mocha
nized armies-the armored divisions
Beyond the dates for calling the
first 100000 men, Mr.. Stimson said
"only God and Hitler know what is
going to confront the United States"
and create the conditions which will
determine the rate of inducing
more men. But we will have them
ready" he said.
In Training by March 5.
The revised time table indicated
that an Army of 100000 men will
be in active training on or about
March S. Earlier plans had con-
templated bringing in about 100000
draftees during the fall and win
ter and the same number after
about April l, which would create
an Army of 100000 men.
The National Guard units to be
ordered into service between Janu-
airy 3 and January 19 will include
for certain the 18th Division, rep
resenting District of Columbia,
Maryland and Virginia units. In
all, the number consists of eight di-
visions, 81 regiments and other units.
The final 1000 guardsmen to bring
the Guard to full strength will be
modified about February 3. 1t was
rumored all these units may be
designated today.
Secretary Stimson's disclosure of
all these important moves were
made in replying to charges Of Wen
dell L. Willkie, Republican presiden-
tial nominee, who had accused the
administration of ''pitiful ineff1-
cheney" and delay in starting hous-
Ing facilities for the drafted men.
Mr.. Stimson characterized the
Republican nominee as usually q
fair critic who has done much for
national defense" but who had been
''misled" about delays in providing
Army housing.
The great majority" of the new
Army environments and other facili-
ties for a total land force of 1900
900 men will be ready by December
IS, Mr.. Stimson replied. The con-
struction schedule is we'll ahead of
the dates for the induction of the
men, he claimed, land, barring I'M
expected difficulties, the whole pro-
gram will be carried out on time"
Mr.. WILKES accusation was neither
fair or accurate" he replied in sug-
costing that the people of the coun-
try deserve this explanation.
Elated over the, comparative
moothness of a Nationwide regis
tration which exceeded advance es-
Inmates by over 100000, national
draft headquarters gave assurances
that its far-fung organization could
keep pace with Army needs in CLASH
flying and selecting men for the call
to service.
Headquarters predicted that
400, 900 class l volunteers and con-
scripts, fit and ready for service,
would be classified by January /,
about $4,000 ahead of the Armys
schedule. Volunteers will not be ac-
cepted until classified and found to
be qualified, but then they may
offer themselves, if they wish to dis
charge their obligation for years
service.
Noting the quick response to reg
istration, headquarters also FORE
cast confidently that all or most
Of the first 10000 men sent to camp
would be one-year volunteers be-
tween ID and SO. Some officials eX-
pected 100000 to volunteer even
tually, giving reprieve to an equal
number not anxious to go.
The War Secretary's announce
ment Of the dates for inducing the
draftees came with unexpected
abruptness and caught the staff of
Army press relations officers quite
unawares.
The volunteers and selectees will
20 on the rosters of Regular Army
and National Guard units now
below proper strength. One of1cial
said that most of the first 10000
would 60 into the Guard and would
be widely scattered throughout the
country.
Ninety -eight thousand National
Guardsmen are modified at the
present time, comprising the $1,000
men called out on September 16
and q second group of $4,000 ordered
into service on october Is.
The third and fourth contingents