HE WEATHER WARN WINDS TODAY 1, 00 APO AW Awi4t ~~Ait UNITED PRESS DAY AND NIGHT WIRE SERVICE f--- VOL. XXVII. No. 135. ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, TIUE SDAY, APRIL 17, 1917. PRICE FIVE G COMMITTE TES AGAINST ELECTIVE DRAFT PRINCIPLE HOUSE MILITARY GROUP IN TEST VOTE DEFEAT MEASURE BY 9-8 COUNT SENTIMENT FAVORS VOLUNTEER SYSTEM Introduce Two Amendments to Gen- eral Staff Bill; Borland De- fends Draft Policy Washington, April 16.-On a test vote the principle of the elective draft incorporated in the general staff army bill was defeated in the house mili- tary committee this afternoon by a nine to eight vote. One member present, Field of Ken- tacky, did not vote. The vote indicated that unless sentiment in the commit- tee changes the committee will recom- mend the volunteer system be given a try-out before conscription is re- sorted to to raise an army of 500,000 for service in Europe. Submit Two Amendments Two important amendments to the general staff bill were introduced in the committee today. They will be acted on tomorrow. One amendment by Chairman Dent would give the vol- unteer system a trial, but would give President Wilson authority at the same time to declare the volunteer system a failure and demand con- scription. Another amendment by Representative Anthony of Kansas provides for raising the army by a volunteer system. However, a mili- tary census of all eligible males would be started at once. If within five months the number of troops required have not volunteered conscription should begin immediately. Borland Defends Draft System The elective draft was described to-' day by Borland as the fairest, \safest, and most democratic national defense system. Borland's speech was the first formal address in the house on con- scription. "The very suggestion of universal liability to military service as applied to our country seems to have caused a shock to the minds of many gentlemen in this house. It is infinitely superior to a mercenary force or a system of voluntary enlist- ment. It contains an element of Jus- tice and equality which should appeal to all Americans. Say what you will, in the last analysis it is the sole re- source for national defense. It will not be amiss, therefore, even this early in the contest, to consider it seriously, and to contrast it with other possible methods of creating a mili- tary force." PREDICTS WAR'S END Prof. E. Kraus Says Germany Lacks Necessary Supplies The war must end within the next few months because of the lack of minerals necessary in the manufact- ure of munitions, and of petroleum, rubber, wool, cotton, and foodstuffs, according to the statement of Prof. Ed- ward Kraus of the mineralogy depart- ment. Professor Kraus says that Germany will have a repetition of her crop failures of last year owing to the fact that no fertilizer is available. Prior to the war, the United States furnished phospate rock in large quantites for Germany, but this sup- ply has been entirely cut off. Because of this shortage Professor Kraus says, the central powers are doomed to crumble within the next few' months. VERNE BURNETT,'17, AND LAURA NURDOCK, '18, RECENTLY MARRY Verne E. Burnett, '17, and Laura M. Murdock, '18, were married in this city recently, shortly before the spring vacation. Burnett, who has been working on the Detroit Free Press since his graduation, is at present en- gaged in work for the war department in Detroit. He retains his connection with the Free Press. Burnett was editor of last summer's Wolverine, and associate editor of the Michigan Daily for one semester. URGE MEDICS FINISH President Hutchins has re- ceived from the Council of Na- tional Defense a letter in which it is suggested that to avoid any shortage in the nation's supply of prospective medical officers, it is the patriotic duty of young men, who are looking forward to medicine as a career, to continue their studies and en- roll in the medical school of their choice. It is further sug- gested that "no medical student who has not completed three years of medical work should be permitted to give up his course as his country needs his train- ed andcnothis untrained ser- vice." LENS AND STI.QUENTIN N EARLY TAKEN - LONDON NO OFFICIAL REPORT AS YET; TROOPS IN OUTSKIRTS OF CITIES Bulletin London, April 16.-Latest re- ports from thedBritish and French armies engaged in General Haig's great drive upon Lens and SL Quentin announce the capture of a great number of German troops outside the cities. The fighting is ,being hotly contested on both sides near Lens, but the thunder- ous assault of General Haig's army is slowly pressing back the stub- born resistance of the enemy. London, April 16.-Unofficial reports here today indicated that the great British drive against the Hindenburg wall is still steadily advancing. Re- ports assert that troops are located in the outskirts of both Lens and St. Quentin. No official news of the cap- ture of the two towns has been re- ceived. The "Haig plan" of bombardment of the famous Hindenburg line is being put into practice all along the Ger- man line from Loos to the north of St. Quentin. The artillery has suf- fered the heavy burden of fighting around Lens owing to the natural de- fenses of waste dumps around the mines in that vicinity. News of the fall of both St. Quentin and Lens was rumored throughout the day, but nothing definite could be ob- tained from military officials. The fall of the two cities is expected any moment if Haig's method of attack continues its successes. GLENN M. COULTER CONFINED IN HOSPITAL WITH SCARLET FEVER Glenn M. Coulter, '18L, president of the Michigan Unio, was taken sick- with scarlet fever Saturday and con- fined to his rooms at 422 East Kings- ley street. Later he was removed to the University hospital. Homer Heath, '07, secretary of the Union, will assist with some of the president's work for the present. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ORDERED WIRELESS REMOVED The University wireless station has been dismantled by direction of the secretary of the navy under the gen- eral order to dismantle all wireless stations not operated by the govern- ment. The action was taken under the executive order recently issued by the president directing the navy de- partment to take over all radio sta- tions. FOOD CURTAILMENT STARTS GENERAL STRIKE IN BERLIN Amsterdam, April 16.-A general strike began in Berlin featured by rioting, according to information re- ceived here. Curtailment of the bread ration was scheduled to go into ef- fect yesterday throughout Germany, and reports of the past few days have indicated great dissatisfaction with a hint of possible disorder if the curtail- ment was persisted in. 3(10 MEN VEU RECSSFOR DRILL Five C(ompainies of Students Train Under Captain Fowler of Army USE FERRY FIELD FOR WORK; F UvTY 3iE-3MERS TAKE PART Maneuvers Include Close and Extended Crill rind 3Manual of Arms More than 350 men sacrificed the pleasures of spring vacation to take the intensive military drill which has been given during the past week un- der the command of Captain R. F. Fowler of the United States corps of engineers. Several members of the faculty participated in the drills. It was at first intended to limit the number to 80 men, but this was ex- tended to 125. As more than 350 men reported ',r the first drill, however, the limit -vas taken off and all of the men reporting were allowed to drill. Ferry Field Drill Ground Ferry field was made the scene of the war maneuvers. From 1:15 to 5:15 o'clock daily the men trained in close and extended order formations. This work included some skirmish drill and work in staking out simple trenches. Owing to the fact that there were only enough rifles for one company, drill in the manual of arms was neces- sarilyv limited. Each company, how- ever, received 40 minutes of drill with the rifles every afternoon. Divide Into Companies Th e battalion was divided into five com:-anies of approximately 65 men each. The men were given the "school of te soldier," "the school of the squa ," "the school of the company," and "the school of the battalion." "The object of the drill," said Cap- tain Fowler, "is to give the men the fundanentals of military science, and to get them started on a plan of disci- pline ",hich would be considered prop- er in the regular service." Prof. J. Bursley in Charge Prof. Joseph Bursley of the engi- neering college, who was in charge of the drill during vacation, reports that the results of the week's work have been encouraging, not only in the num- ber of men reporting, but also in the progress which the men have made in learning the maneuvers. The drill ended yesterday afternoon with maneuvers by the entire battalion under command of Captain Fowler. MICHIGAN WOMEN AID UNION WORK b t®,. Qif Tioa in Getting Out DETAIL ARMY OFFICER War Department, Washington, April 11, 1917. By direction of the President, Maj. Charles W. Castle, detach- ed officers' list, is relieved from further duty at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., and is detailed under the provisions of the act of congress, approved June 3, 1916, as professor of military science and tactics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Major Castle will proceed to Ann Arbor and report in person to the president, Uni- versity of Michigan, for duty. The travel directed is necessary in the military service. By order of the Secretary of War: H. L. SCOTT, Major General, Chief of Staff. ORDER N LRESERVES READYFOR TRIING COIPS SPENDS RECESS DRILLING IN BARRACKS AT WATERMAN GYMNASIUM Severe? and eight divisions, of the Michigan Naval reserves composed for the most - part of University students, have been barracked since the first Tuesday of the spring recess in Water- man gymnasium, awaiting government orders to report to training ships at one of the Great Lakes' training schools, probably at Chicago. Orders to mobilize came to Ann Arbor the Friday night school was dismissed after most/ of the men en- rolled in the two units had left Ann Arbor for their homes. By the fol- lowing Tuesday practically all of the reserves had reported at their com- mands. As yet it is purely a matter of speculation as to the exact time when the reserves will be sent to the train- ing stations, government orders being to the effect that the divisions should go as soon as there is room to accom- modate them on the training ships. Enroll 150 Men The two divisions have at present a total enrollment of 150 men with a long string of names on the waiting list. During the week the two units under the command of Lieutenants McNiel and Hayden, have been spend- ing six hours daily in practicing all manners of drills, in learning the man- ual of arms and attending lectures on first aid, marlin spike seamanship, sanitation, and the care of fractures. The "black faced gang," engineers of the division, spent several after- noons hardening themselves for their future work by working out in front of some of the largest boilers in the city. Stand Guard The deck and line men of the divis- ion have ben spending their spare moments in practicing knot tieing, sweeping off the gym steps and stand- ing guard around the barracks. Yesterday afternoon Captain Lewis and Assistant Paymaster Moore of De- troit, reviewed the two units on Fer- ry field. After the review, Captain Lewis stated that the divisions were in fine condition, having developed in an unusually short time. BATTALION 'REPORT Meeting to Decide Important Issue Regarding Training All men who at any time during the past week of vacation have been drilling in the voluntary University battalion will report in the usual places, and their respective companies at 5 o'clock today. The meeting will be held to deter- mine an important issue which has arisen concerning the announcement that a major of the United States army has been assigned to train the men at the University. What the action taken at the meet- ing will result in is not definitely set- tled but prospects are that a perma- nent battalion of students may be formed to drill and train pending the arrival of the detailed officer. Balfour 's Arrival Veiled in Secrecy Various Departments of Government Conceal News of Committee's Coming Washington, April 16. - Admiral Fletcher and several other officials have left to meet British Foreign Min- ister Balfour, Secretary of the Navy Daniels announced this afternoon. Late thisafternoon the White House and the state. war, and navy depart- ment clamped down the secrecy lid as to the time and place of arrival of Foreign Minister Balfour. It was intimated there had been a change of program since earlier in- formation to the effect that Balfour would reach New York at 5:30 o'clock this afternoon. Pressed for details one official said this afternoon that "the committee would arrive somewhere within at least 36 hours of Washing- ton this evening." Welcome Committee in Boston Boston, April 16.-It was reported that the committee of welcome ap- pointed to receive the Franco-British commission in the United States was in Boston. Their arrival was kept very quiet and absolutely no informa- tion- concerning their movements was given out. The committee consists of Third Assistant SecretarycLong, represent- ing the State department; Read Ad- miral Fletcher and Commander Sel- lers, representing the nvy, and Colonel Robert Michie, Lieutenant- Colonel Cosby, and Captain Queke- meyer, representing the army. FIRE CAUSES $2,000 e LOSS TO SORORITY Alpha Epsilon Iota Is Forced to Move Following Destructive Blaze After a loss of perhaps $2,000 by fire, the home of Alpha Epsilon Iota was rendered untenable yesterday noon. It is thought to have been caused by a defective flue. The third floor and roof were completely demolished by fire, while the other two floors were ruined considerably by water and smoke. Most of the members' trunks which were stored in the garret were badly destroyed by fire, along with a considerable amount of clothing. On account of the damage done the so- ciety is forced to move and in the future will be located at 1027 East Huron street. SUBMIT ESTIMATE FOR LAND FOR FLEET OPERATING BASE Washington, April 16.-An estimate of $3,000,000 for an appropriation to acquire land equipment for a fleet op- erating base off Hampton Roads, Vir- ginia, to be immediately available, was submitted to congress today by Sec- retary Daniels through Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo. The site recommended is the old Jamestown exposition ground and ad- joining tracts which can be purchased for $1,400,000. It is estimated that $1;600,000 will be required for de- velopment. The base will include a training station for 8,000 men, a sub- marine base for 20 submarines, an aviation base, accommodations for oil fuel storage, mine and torpedo stor- age, medical storage, fleet storage, and coal piers, and large drill grounds ashore. BRAZILIANS CHEER PRO-WAR SPEECH BY POPULAR SENATOR Rio de Janiero, April 16.-Fifty thousand Brazilians today cheered en- thusiastically an inflammatory pro- war speech by Brazil's idol of the people, Senator Rui Barbosa, declar- ing that war with Germany was in- evitable, and that "the situation in Brazil and in the United States is identical." Barbosa declared President Wilson's war message to congress was a tri- umph of the people over government intrigue and German diblomacy. Meet- ings in towns and villages all over Brazil are an indication of the war de- mand to which the government will be forced to yield. It was announced to- day that a number of prominent Brazilians had agreed to meet with representative Argentine leaders at Buenos Aires to discuss the German- South American situation.- FUTURE TRAININ DISCUSSED ATDBIG MILITARYSMOKER ANNOUNCEMENT DETAILING ARMY OFFICER MEETS HEARTY APPROVAL EMPHASIZE NEED OF TRAINING IN TRENCHES Sergeant Ball, Fresh from Europe, Describes Army Life at Front What Michigan will do now that an army officer has been detailed to the University, was the chief topic dis- cussed by the speakers at the battalion smoker held at theUniversity of Michigan Union last night. "Michigan men have always done their duty, and I know that they will not fail their country in the present crisis," was the introduction given by President Harry B. Hutchins to a reading of two letters, one announc- ing that a military officer had been de- tailed to the University, and the other requesting medical students to con- tinue their training in the Medical school. The reading was greeted with hearty response. Emiphasizes Need of Practice Captain Fowler, who has had charge of the military tactics given during spring vacation, emphasized the need of practice in digging trenches and trench fighting. He outlined the prac- tical side of military training and stated that army life was not all dress parade, but was an exacting routine of hard labor under conditions that exhausted the men. "More shovels have been worn out in Europe during the present war than guns," he stated in concluding his speech. Tells of Difficulties Prof. W. H. Hobbs spoke of the dif- ficulty experienced by the University authorities in securing the services of an army officer at Michigan to take charge of the training. He appealed to the students' patriotism to support the movement and to give the officer their co-operation in every way pos- sible. Sergeant Ball, fresh from the trenches in Europe, was given a rous- ing reception by the student army as- sembled. A vivid description of life in the French trenches was presented by Sergeant Ball. He stated that of the honor ribbons passed out to Can- adian troops 75 per cent had gone to American men. At the close of the smoker Captain Fowler was presented with agold watch by the battalion. UNION OPERA MAKES BIG HIT IN CITIES Npen !sprng vacato 11n 4V1r Questionnaires to Alumni "lit, I During vacation most of the work of getting out the questionnaires and in- dexing the replies has been done by University women in town over the holidays, and it is planned to have, them continue the work. The Wom- en's league will have charge of the work and Helen Bates, '18, is general chairman. The intelligence bureau here is to co-operate with the intercollegiate in- telligence bureau recently established by the University of Pennsylvania. FIRST MICHIGAN WOMAN TO OFFER SERVICES TO U. S. Dorothy Hall, '18E, is the first Uni- versity of Michigan woman to offer her services to the government in the present war, having sent in her ap- plication for a position in organic or analytical research work in the United States bureau of mines at Washing- ton. Dean Lloyd to Represent University Dean Alfred H. Lloyd of the Gradu- ate school has been appointed by President Harry B. Hutchins to rep- resent the University of Michigan at the inauguration of Dr. W. A. Jessup as president of the University of Iowa. Registrar Hall to Attend Convention Registrar Arthur G. Hall will leave next Tuesday, April 24, for Lexing- ton, Ky., to attend the eighth annual meeting of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars to be held at the University of Kentucky from April 25 to 27. for Royal Entertainment Provided "Fools' Paradise" Troupe During Trip Playing before capacity houses in each of the 'six cities visited, "Pools' Paradise" scored the biggest hit of any opera to be presented outside of Ann Arbor. The performances were all given with a smoothness and finish rarely to be found in college. produc- tions, the dancing of the chorus com- ing in for especial praise. Detroit, Toledo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Saginaw were the cities visited, royal entertain- ment being provided by the alumni in each of these cities. The largest num- ber witnessing any one performance was in Chicago at the Auditorium the- ater where over 5,000 people were present. Dances were given in honor of the troupe in each of the cities ex- cept Toledo. Symphonic League to Hold Banquet The Symphonic league of the Uni- versity School of Music will hold its ,fourth annual banquet in the parlors of the Congregational church Wednes- day evening. Miss Edna Toland, '17, will be the toastmaster. Banquet tick- ets are on sale at the School of Music .and at the Annex. To Mobilize Poster Pasters' Regiment Chicago, April 16.-Director Eggers of the Arch Institute plans to mobilize 2,800 students to paste posters urging enlistment and boosting the back to the farm movement.