Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 156, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1917 — DRAFTDRAWING FOR FRIDAY [ARTICLE]

DRAFTDRAWING FOR FRIDAY

THOSE WHOSE NUMBERS ARE ANNOUNCED MUST TAKE TEST AT ONCE. Washington, July 18.—Advices today to Brigadier General Crowder, the provost marshal general, indicated that the national lottery to determine the order of liability of 10,000,000 men registered for military service could be held Friday. Preparations to make the drawing on that day went ahead rapidly, although a final decision as to the date cannot be made until the last governor has actually reported that the local exemption boards in his state have finished their task. The entire proceeding of the drawnig is not expected to take much more than one hour. The press is relied upon to cany to individuals throughout the country the information as to when they will be required to appear before exemption boards and for that reason every effort is being made to suit the convenience of the newspapers as to details.

The task of transmitting the long lists of numbers by telegraph is a problem of considerable proportions, but the press associations and telegraph companies are making efforts to insure both speed and absolute accuracy in transmission. The government will be ready for the drafting as soon as the last state has reported by telegraph that its work is complete. If the last telegram comes in the morning the drawing can be held the same day. If it comes at night it is probable the drawing will take place the following day. Almost immediately after the lottery local exemption boards will summon men for physical tests. Every man summoned must take this test, whether or not be intends to make an axemption claim. Heavy penalties attach to failure to appear. Kentucky was added late today to the list of states from which complete reports have been received. While the provost marshal general’s office was busy clearing up the last details for the drawing the problem of alien registrants, other than enemy aliens, came before the senate in a resolution introduced by Senator Chamberlain. It provides for the drafting for military service of citizens of countries at war with Germany who are now residing in the United States upon the same terms as American citizens are liable under the national army bill.