176 / World War I and Reconstruction Work Again Pomerene replied for the president.

Washington, D.C., June 28, 1917

Reverend C. Z. Yoder, Wooster, Ohio. My dear Reverend Yoder:

Your favor of the 22nd instant, enclosing letter signed by your Moderator and yourself addressed to the President, under date of June 14, received. I shall take pleasure in presenting the letter to the President. You can be assured that all persons belonging to churches having conscientious scruples against engaging in war will not be called to the front. They are specially exempted by statute passed by the Congress and I can assure you that the President is in full sympathy with that statute.

Your people can serve the cause of good government by doubling their energies in planting increased food crops with which to feed our people and our allies.

Sincerely,

Atlee Pomerene.

Eleven days later Pomerene wrote again.

United States Senate, July 9, 1917.

Dear Mr. Yoder:

Referring to your recent letter which I brought to the attention of the President and which related to the exemption of members of your Church, I beg to hand you herewith a communication from Provost Marshal General Enoch H. Crowder of the War Department, which I shall thank you to bring to the attention of Mr. Gerig. After the letter has served your purpose, please return it to my files. You are at liberty to make a copy of it if you so desire, in fact I would suggest that you do so as you might want it for reference.

Copy of the new Army Bill is enclosed herewith also.

Sincerely,

Atlee Pomerene.

WAR DEPARTMENT

Office of the Provost Marshal General

Washington, July 6, 1917.

Honorable Atlee Pomerene, United States Senate. My Dear Senator:

Your letter of June 28th addressed to the secretary of the President and enclosing a communication of Mr. Jacob S. Gerig, and Mr. C. Z. Yoder, respectively Moderator and Secretary of the Amish Mennonite Church, has been referred to this office for reply.

Section 4 of the Selective Service Act reads:

"And nothing in this act contained shall be construed to require or compel any person to serve in any of the forces herein provided for who is found to