I have just returned from Washington where I had a personal interview with Provost Marshall General Crowder and with the Secretary of War. As a result of these interviews, I am prepared to advise you that hereafter when married men claim exemptions on the ground of dependent wife or children, or both, the Board will determine:

1. Whether or not as a matter of fact the registrant has heretofore supported his wife by his own manual or mental labor.

2. Whether or not the husband or wife, or both, have property, the income from which would be sufficient to support the wife and children, if any, in case the husband is ordered into military service.

If the first inquiry shall be found in the affirmative and the second in the negative, then the registrant is entitled to his discharge as a matter of law, unless the Board shall further find as a fact:

1. That the parents of the husband or wife have sufficient property to support the wife and children, if any, during the absence of the husband, and

2. That such parents have signified that they are ready to voluntarily undertake the support of such wife and children, if any.

In other words, the burden of the support of the wife and children, if any, cannot be thrust upon the parents against their will, under the law. And the burden is upon the Government to show that the parents are both able and willing to undertake this support.

The above principle will be followed by you in all future cases coming before you. With respect to married men whose claims have already been passed upon by you, I suggest that in cases where the above principles of law have not been applied, and where in your opinion real hardships will be imposed by sending or keeping these men in the service, that you submit the facts in each particular case to the Adjutant General of the State, who will then determine whether or not such particular cases involving great hardships, should be re-opened and determined in the light of the principles above announced.