Luck of the Draw

Like the deaths of ancient kings, the passing of Presidents calls for certain dispensations for the populace. President Nixon declared a day of mourning last week upon the death of Harry S. Truman and ordered most Government services shut down. That meant, among other things, that some 300 men due to be sworn in that day will probably beat the draft. Daniel J. Cronin, assistant deputy Selective Service director, sent telegrams to draft boards around the country canceling the inductions. As it turns out, that was the last induction day of 1972. Officially, the group can still be called up any time between now and April 1--but so far no draft calls have been issued for January or February. Thus the odds are lengthening that none of the lucky 300 will be the last American to die in Viet Nam.

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