Democrat and Chronicle Rochester, NY August 12, 1917 page 19 SLACKER MARRIAGES Point Should Have Been Made Clear at Early Date. Louisville Courier Journal Announcements as to the meaning of eleventh-hour marriages upon the situation of registered men have indicated vacillation in the office of Provost Marshall General Crowder upon a point that should have been made clear as soon as the draft law was enacted and long before men were called for the first increment of the draft army or enrolled as between the maximum and minimum ages. Obviously all marriages contracted after the registration in which the bridegroom figures as a man asking exemption because of the dependence of his wife are marriages entered upon in the hope of defeating the draft law. So complete is the public's knowledge of the conditions under which the army is being raised that few young women are in ignorance of the fact that men between the maximum and minimum ages who are able-bodied are expected to be ready for military service. The young woman who aids a slacker in his effort to evade service incurring dependency upon him in expectation of his pleading her dependency as a reason for exemption deserves no consideration. Morally regarded her action is reasonable, socially regarded her marriage is a union lacking the moral quality that dignifies or sanctities marriage in ordinary circumstances. Many marriages in which the man is of military age but will not ask exemption are being contracted. All honor to the bride and the bridegroom in such cases. Their patriotism and self-sacrifice are a shining example. In sharp and depressing contrast are the deliberate slacker marriages. They are mere liaisons entered upon to defeat the law designedly to injure the country willfully and to give the enemy aid and comfort rather than sacrifice convenience to the cause. DON'T WORRY Many Things May Happen Before a Grave in France Is Needed You need not worry. If you are registered for select service you have two alternatives: Either your "key" number is drawn for the first draft or it is not. If not, you need not worry. If it is, you have two alternatives. Either you are exempted or you are not. If exempted, you need not worry. If not, you have two alternatives. Either you are called into training camp or you are not. If not, you need not worry. If you are, you have two alternatives. Either you are sent to France or you are not. If not, you need not worry. If you are, there are two alternatives. Either you fight or you don't fight. If you don't, you need not worry. If you do, you have two alternatives. Either you get hurt or you don't. If you don't, you need not worry. If you do, there are two alternatives. Either you recover or you don't. If you do, you need not worry. If you don't, you will never need to worry again. And then again, the war may be over before Christmas. Keep your eye on the effect of President Wilson's embargo. Submitted by: Patricia Stillwell Mims