Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 134, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 June 1917 — BAR POLITICS IN THE DRAFT [ARTICLE]

BAR POLITICS IN THE DRAFT

“PULL” TO BE ENDED BY CAPITAL DRAWINGS—EXPOSURE OF TRICKS. Washington, June 21.-*-To get away from local pull and to eliminate the chance of favoritism and fraud, the new army will be drafted in Washington under direction of high federal officials and general army officers. Ever since the registration conducted in the ward polling places there have been murmurs of doubt and a fear lest the actual selection of the men who are to be mustered into the first amry might be tainted by political manipulation. Some incidents of the registration showed the ward boss was not inactive. Certain aidermen and similar officials were charged with having made use of their powers to list exemptions for young men of more influence than courage and more money than patriotism. In some sections men were given cards of registration whose names did not appear on the lists. Thus they were able to show the officers an apparent compliance with the law and save themselves consequences of their failure to register. The government means to get all these clever evaders, but it will take time. Meanwhile a plan has been evolved that will do away with any possibility of crookedness in the great lottery which is to determine what Americans will have the first chance at the battle front. Instead of leaving it to the local boards to conduct the draft, all the names are to be listed in Washing* ton. Every name will be represented by a number in an infinity of series. Nobody at the drawing can know the personality behind a number. This announcement will be an unpleasant surprise for the folks Who are accustomed to get little favors, like being exempted from jury service, or getting out of little difficulties with the police, from the neighborhood boss.