New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-24
THE CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Tho Presidents approval on Friday OF the
Volunteer Army bill passed by Congress that
day was promptly followed yesterday by MS
proclamation calling for 125,0OO volunteers.
Considerable surprise will doubtless be ex-
pressed at the size Of the force thus summoned
TO the service of the country. because or the
confident reports coming from Washington as
late as yesterday morning that the call would
be for only 100000 men. Otherwise 1t might
have been anticipated that man OF the Presi-
dents prudence foresight and military sense
WouId realize the importance Of not undertaking
at the outset the task TO be performed and the
advantage Of putting into training at the earli-
est moment a larger body Of volunteers than
MANY OF his amateur advisers have apparently
thought necessary.
An earlier proposition was that 10000 men
would suffice; 100000 was then announced as
an ample II not superfuous number; but the
President has wisely increased that figure by
rs per cent. and he can safely he relied upon. in
case further consideration and counsel should
persuade him that still larger force Of volun-
teers would better serve the Indispensable pur-
nose Of swift and decisive action, TO obey the
dictates Of his deliberate Judgment without
hesitation. If he should decide to issue sec
feel no doubt whatever that the country would
instantly approve his course, and that the prac-
teal response of patriotism would be entirely
satisfactory. The people, united In support or
a President and Commander in Chief charged
with momentous responsibilities, would cheer
fully accept his decision, even II they did not
comprehend the reasons for 1t; but they them
selves would not be slow to realize the wisdom
of avoiding every possible risk by beginning
an uncertain war with adequate means at com
mand to fight 1t through to a finish without
waste Of time and loss Of that initial enthus-
asm which It Is often hard TO revive.
General satisfaction at the call issued under
the Volunteer Army act Is enhanced by the
passage through the House Of the Hull bill in
creasing the Regular Army to 61.01O enlisted
men, and converting its Anticipated organiza-
ton to the three battalion formation In accord
ance with the approved military practice OF the
world The only regret is that It's war strength
was not fixed at considerably higher figure
and we should be glad If that could still be
accomplished without injurious delay. An
army Of 100000 regulars would not be too large
for the work which Is before us, or at least Tor
the possibilities which prudence bids US con-
template demonstration Of overwhelming
strength at the outset would have an Immense
moral effect, and that Is an advantage which
the United States can readily command. We
cannot bring ourselves to believe that It Is not
unwise to neglect such a chance. 1t is the usual
and wise habit Of experienced men embarking
in a large enterprise to provide resources In
excess Of those which they expect to require
How much more incumbent is 1t upon a gov
eminent going to war to take the unexpected
into account. Such a margin IS not superfu-
GUS in a true sense. but has great utility as well
as the truest economy And It IS fair pre-
sumption that this would prove especially true
In the present case. Visible power TO keep on
striking tremendous blows indefinitely would
surely restrict within narrow limits the number
Of blows TO be struck.