Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-12-28

The New York Times observes that one
notable fact about the plans for the en-
lsrgement Of the army. involving its
reorganization. must have struck plain
usople with wonder. II is this: what
guarantees are to be taken for the eff
cheney Of the officers TO be newly COM
missioner" And this conspicuous but
evidently premeditated omission leads
the Times 70 say that If the President
were 70 announce that he would fill the
ueutenancies created by the enlargement
Of the army by promotions recommended
tv regimental officers before making any
eppolntnents from civil life "he would do
mora than could be done I'm any other
way 10 allay reasonable distrust ana
well-grounded apprehension OF the en-
largement Of the army
In the first place, we earnestly trust
the President will not be allowed to in
crease the regular army TO the number
proposed by him 100000, but consider
able enlargement is inevitable, We sup
pose.
The minority Of the House Committee
on Military Affairs, led by Mr. Hay Of
Virginia, has brought forward bill which
IS designed TO tide over our present needs
with volunteers, officers and men. who
are willing TO stay in the service for two
years But we much fear this substitute
will not pass. If it does not, then it will
be the duty of the minority 10 secure. If
possible. such notifications Of the adj
ministration's bill as viii compel some
thing like a fair distribution Of the 1900
or 200 commissions which the President
will be authorized to issue.
OF West Point graduates there will,
OF course, not be enough 10 fiji the new
positions Then, where Will the Presi-
dent get the material he viii need? In
our judgment public opinion, If consulted,
would pronounce I'm favor of rewarding
some Of the young men who volunteered
at the outbreak OF the Spanish-American
war. 1t should not matter whether they
belong. or belonged. TO regiments that
saw actual field service, or whether their
commands have been mustered out of ser
Vice or not II should be sufficient for
the President 10 know that they were
prompt TO offer their services TO their
country and that they are worthy young
men.
II might be presumed that each APP
pointee would be required to stand an
examination as to bis fitness to hold
commission, and it ought TO be real eX-
animation; not such one as the west
Point cadets are required to submit 10
after they have been fed and educated
for four years at government expense
yet one that would meet all the reason
able demands OF army life. In that way
we think. a sufficient number OF competent
men could be found 20 MI the new places
that the army-enlargement bill VIII ere
ate. But IL there should be any lack Of
applicants from the army. we might be
sure the deficiency would be made up
from men In civil life, many Of whom
have been educated at military schools
In any event, the President would have
an immense amount Of patronage 10 dis-
tribute. II there are any old friends OF
his in Ohio who have not yet been re-
wardod then would be the time for them
10 send forward their sons and nephews
10 get Ueutenants' commissions The
commissions for higher rank, as a RUE
We suppose, VIII be given 70 persons no"
holding commissions In the regular army
And. by the way, the new lieutenants
would have the prospect not only OF ser
vice in the Colonies" but many OF
them. in regiments Of native troops.