Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 233, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 October 1917 — Camp Taylor Soldiers Are Attaining Military Bearing. [ARTICLE]

Camp Taylor Soldiers Are Attaining Military Bearing.

Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Oct. 15.—The soldiers here are literally jumping at their jobs. Some came down here joyfully, some disinterestedly and some grudgingly. But the spirit of the place has gripped them and the malcontents of yesterday are the men who today are beginning to be proud of their opportunity to do something big for themselves, their dear ones at home and for world humanity. x Physically, the men never felt better in their lives. The steady drilling and the long hikes in Kentucky roads, followed by vigorous settingup exercises, are making many of them eat and sleep as never before. Those men not up to the mark physically have been sent home and the others are hammering away at the training which will add many times to their physical fitness. One problem remains to vex the officers and it is not of serious proportions. This is the problem of “conscientious objectors,” which was supposed to have been settled largely by the local draft boards. There are only a few of these men in camp, but as long as their status is not fixed definitely by the war department their presence among the other men is a source of annoyance. Indiana draft boards- seem to have sifted out the greatest number whose religious faith entitles them to exemption on the ground that they are forbidden to fight, but there are some who say they will not fight because their religion forbids it. The names have been reported to division headquarters and a decision from Washington is being sought. One southern Indiana man in the 335th regiment has refused to obey any commands, either to drill or to work in the kitchen, where most of the “conscientious objectors” are placed temporarily. His arrest was ordered by Colonel L. F. Kilbourne Saturday and he will be tried by court-martial. Two other men in the 335th say they will not fight, but they have obeyed orders detailing them to “fatigue duty” or kitchen police, as cleaning up or working in the kitchen is termed. Colonel F. R. Knudson, of the 334th, is anxious to get the twenty men off his hands.