The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1898-12-08
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ARMY REORGANIZATION.
Standing Force of 100000 Men Needed
Under Present Conditions.

Under the act OF congress approved
April rs. 1898, authorizing the president In
his discretion, upon a declaration of war
by congress or declaration by congress
that war exists, ] directed the increase
of the regular army to the maximum of
$1,000, authorized in said act
There are now in the regular army ST.
S62 officers and men. In said act II was
provided: THAT at the end OF any war in
which the United States may become in
volved. the army shall be reduced to
peace basis by transfer in the same
arm of the service or absorption. by pro-
motion or honorable discharge, under
such regulations as the secretary may es-
tp'ieN 30 ''no~~''''7 ,ro' comma -A1-
aers and the honorable discharge or trans.
lea "a sLptfuLIlaS4..y ...-.s.vt. ..vn, .4.u
nothing contained in this act shall be
construed as authorizing the permanent
increase OF the command of enlisted force
of the regular army beyond that now pro-
vided by the law in force prior to the
passage OF this act except as to the in
crease Of Is majors provided for in section
! hereof"
The Importance OF legislation for the
permanent increase of the army is there
fore manifest, and the recommendation
of the secretary of war for that purpose
has my unqualified approval There can
be no question that at this time and prob
ably for some time in the future 100000
men will be none too many to meet the
necessities OF the situation. At all events
whether that number shall be required
permanently or not. the power should be
given to the president to enlist that force
If in his discretion 1t should be neces-
sary, and the further discretion should
be given him to recruit within the above
limit from the inhabitants OF the islands
with the government Of which we are
charged.
Volunteers to he Sent Home.
1t Is my purpose to muster out the en-
tire volunteer army as soon as congress
shall provide for the increase of the regu-
lar establishment. This will be only an
act of justice. and will be much appre-
ciated by the brave men who left their
homes and emplcyments to help the coun.
try in its emergency.
Capital Centennial.
In the year 1900 will occur the centen-
NAL anniversary of the founding of the
city of Washington for the permanent
capital Of the government of the United
States by authority of an act of con.
gress approved July 16. 1850. In May.
1900 the archives and general Offices Of the
federal government were removed to this
place. On the 18th Of November 1900, the
national congress met here for the first
time and assumed exclusive control Of
the federal district and city. This inter.
esting event assumes all the more signifi.
canoe when we recall the circumstances
attending the choosing OF the site. tina
naming OF the capital in honor Of the
father of his country. and the interest
taken by him in the adoption of plans for
fits future development on a magnificent
scale.
These original plans have been wrought
out with a constant progress and a sig
nal success. even beyond anything theii
trainers had foreseen.
Labor Laws.
The alien contract law is shown by ex-
perience to need some amendment: q
measure providing better protection for
seamen is proposed: the rightful applica.
ton of the eight-hour law for the benefit
OF labor and of the principle of arbitra.
ton are suggested for consideration, and
/ commend these subjects to the careful
consideration of congress.
Departmental Reports.
The several departmental reports will
be laid before you. They give in great
detail the conduct of the affairs OF the
government during the past year. and dis.
cuss many questions upon which con-
gress may be called upon to act.
WILLIAM n KINLEY.