The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1898-04-23
ARMY REORGANIZATION
Several Amendments TO the Bill
Voted Down.
PROMOTION OF ENLISTED MEN
Chairman Hull, of the Military Conn
mittec, Explains That the Bill Is a
Modification of That Originally
Reported-NumberO of Prfvates in N
Company Fixed mt Eighty-four.

The House met at 10 o'clock this morn
ing with not more than twenty-five mem
bers in their seats. They came in rapidly
however. and business progressed with
out delay
The bill for the better organization OF
the line of the regular Army was prompt
| ly taken up with the distinct understand
| ing on both sides of the chamber that ii
should be passed within an hour.
By unanimous consent general debate
was limited to thirty minutes.
Chairman Hull, of the Military Com
mittee, stated that the bill was a material
modification from that originally report
ed. He said the general of the Army,
when before the Military Committee,
stated that the great need of the Army
was privates. General Miles explained
that the Army had its full complement of
officers. but with small number of pri-
Yates the army would be crippled in time
of war. He advised that the infantry
companies be given one hundred privates
each but the committee had fixed the
number at eighty-four, to meet the
wishes Of the officers of the National
Guard.
Fifteen minutes were consumed in ex-
planning the features and phases of the
bill, when Mr.. Underwood OF Alabama
was given five minutes. He complained
that the bill did not sufficiently provide
for the reduction of the Regular Army
TO a peace basis upon the termination of
hostilities
Mr.. Hay of Virginia, member of the
committee replied TO Mr.. Un*erwo>..
pointing out that he was under an err
rOneOus impression as>to the bill. He
then proceeded TO show that II was care
fully drawn. and amply provided for re-
organizing the Army on a modern basis
He explained that the pending bill pro-
vided for filling up the Regular Army In
time of war to an effective basis the ex-
cess over the regular peace basis to be
honorably discharged upon the terminal
ton of hostilities
Mir. Marsh, a member of the committee,
said the bill did not specify how the su-
pernumerary commissioned officers should
be mustered out AT the end of war. The
committee concluded TO leave that mat
ter to the Congress that shall be in session
when the Army shall be reduced.
A telegram was read from Adjutant
General Corbin stated that all plans for
the Army were being based on the as
sumption that the three battalion bill
would become law.
There was opposition on the Democratic
side 10 any increase of the Regular Army.
but the opponents cOntented themselves I
with stating the grounds of their criti- /
cism. They would not prevent or delay !
the passage of the bill
Mr.. Bailey urged that the additional f.
companies provided for be mustered out I
as a whole at the end of the war.
Mr. Dockery suggested an amendment /
directing the President TO make rules and I
regulations for retiring supernumerary 1
officers I'm time of peace.
Mr.. Handy of Delaware then offered 4
an amendment investing the President 1
with the right to promote enlisted men /.
TO second ieutenants for gallant and I
meritorious service in the field. Repre-
sentative Sayers objected, saying that
the few who had political influence at
Washington would secure promotion
over more deserving soldiers.
Mr.. Handy'S resolution was voted !
down. as kas also Mr.. Hulls In fact.
all amendments were vigorously voted
Own. and there was a very apparent
ma jority in favor Of passing the original
bill.
At noon Speaker Reed took the gavel
from Mr.. Paine, chairman Of the com
nittee of the whole House. and requested
hat the members now adjourn in a body
10 the Senate chamber to attend the flu
neral of Senator Walthal. Accordingly
The members formed in double file and
crossed the Capitol to the Senate wing.
II was simply an informal recess and IL
was previously agreed that the House
would resume consideration of the bill as
soon as possible.