People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1894-10-18

WASHINGTON, Oct ,3.-Major Gen.
sral Schofeld has made to the secre-
tary Of war his report on the opera
tons OF the army during the past
year. General Schofeld, who has
been at the head of the army since
the death of General Sheridan, an
nounces his retirement next year.
The report is principally devoted to a
discussion of the necessity of strength
ening the military arm of the gov
eminent to cope with international
disorder as well as possible danger
without, particular reference being
made to the Debs strike.
The country is now for the first
time squarely confronted with the
necessity of making adequate pro-
vision not only for defense against
any possible foreign aggression, but
also for defense against domestic
violence in the form of forcible resis-
lance to the laws of the United States
1t is certainly manifest that the
present condition of the country, with
population of nearly 10000, 900, UNI
der the danger of disorder now known
to exist cannot be met by the same
force that was deemed adequate
twenty-fiv five years ago, when the pop
ulation of the country was less than
half its present amount and domestic
violence was not apprehended. One
man to fourteen square miles of ter
ritory, or one man to $500 of popula-
ton, is surely very small guard to
protect property and prevent viola
ton of law, leaving out of considera-
ton the force necessary to guard the
extended sea coast against sudden
attack by a foreign enemy. 1t is also
worthy of remark that more than
once in the last summer an Infatuated
mob in single city was twice as for
midable in number and capable Of do
ing vastly greater injury to life and
property as the most formidable COM
bination of Indian warriors that ever
confronted the army in this country.
The army has been required recently
to deal with an army far more num-
erous and dangerous to the country
than any savage enemy which it has
heretofore been called upon to meet.
The effective strength of the army
should be considerably increased.
This can be done at very small In
crease in cost. The present reg
mental organizations need not be
largely increased. Two additional
regiments of artillery for the nee
essary sea coast defense; two addi-
tional regiments of cavalry to patrol
the long lines of railroad, under gov
eminent protection, and the present
twenty-five regiments of infantry,
converted into three battalion organ
izations, would, it is believed, be a
Just, conservative estimate of what is
now actually needed.
In respect to military necessities
which may possibly arise out of con.
flict with foreign powers it has for
many years seemed impossible to i'm
press upon the people of the United
States in general, the view enter
tanned by all thoughtful military STU
dents. However humiliating it may
be to this confident self-esteem, 1t is
nevertheless simple duty to point TO
the great military lesson which is now
being taught to the entire world.
The most populous and one of the
most wealthy nations of the earth is
subjected to extreme humiliation and
disgrace, to result possibly in the
overthrow of dynasty at the hands
of little nation of one-tenth of its
population and about oue-tenth its
territorial area And why is this? 1t
is not because that great people are
lacking in talent o. general education
or courage, but because they have
failed to develop their military
strength and resources. In disciplined
troops, in arms and equipments of all
kinds, in efficient ships of war and in
general military preparation and edu-
cation, they are far behind the enter
prising little military nation that is
now teaching them and the world this
tremendous lesson.
The relation of the United States
to the great military powers of Eu-
rope now exhibits far greater dis
parity in respect to preparations for
war than that which has existed be-
tween China and Japan. Viii the
people of the United Sta and their
representatives have tn desty to
appreciate, and the wisdom to profit
BY this lesson?
Now that modern science has so
radically changed the conditions of
military and naval success, how i'm
possible has security for peace con-
sistent with honor become, except
through thorough preparation for
war?
The time has fully come when the
people of the United States should
dismiss the overconfdence born. of
past experience and look the future
squarely in the face.
The most liberal appropriations for
this purpose will be the wisest econ
omy.
General Schofeld recommends the
increase of the supply of modern
arms, for regular troops and for or
ganized militia, and appropriations
for heavy armament for sea coast de-
Tense and provision for additional
cavalry for service in the territories
traversed by railroads, for transpor-
tation of government troops and car
rying the mails.
Returns From Georgia.