Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 55, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 March 1918 — HOUSE HALTS NEW DRAFT BILL AS CROWDER MARKS TIME [ARTICLE]

HOUSE HALTS NEW DRAFT BILL AS CROWDER MARKS TIME

Legislation to change the system of apportioning men by making the basis the number of men in Class 1, instead of the population of states, was held in the house Wednesday with the filing of the adverse minority report by members of the military committee, and by the statement of Chairman Dent that the measure would not be called up until after Secretary Baker’s return from France.

This will delay the second draft, as. Provost Marshal-General Crowder has announced that he will go ahead with it until the law is changed. At the time the minority report was filed General Crowder was before the senate military committee urging speedy consideration of the measure and of another to require the registration of all men attaining 21 years of age since last June 5. He appeared greatly concerned when he learned that the legislation was checked in the house. The senate has passed the bill to change the basis of apportionment and is expected to pass this week the measure registering younger men. The house committee already has filed a favorable majority report on the bill changing the apportionment.