The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-21
POLITICS AND WAR.

semi-official notice just given by the
War Department calls attention to fea-
ture of our military system which has
caused the government first and last much
trouble, expense and, Indirectly, loss of life.
We refer to it as a feature of military
system, but it might equally as we'll be
called feature of our political system, as
it pertains to both and consists of mingling
politics with war. The notice just issued
says the War Department is flooded with
requests made through and Endorsed by
members of Congress for the speedy dis
charge of soldiers who. for personal rea-
army regulations require that all applica-
tons shall pass through regular military
channels and reach the adjutant general
of the army with the Endorsement and ap-
prevail OF the subordinate officers through
whose hands they have passed. Under a
proper military usage this is the only in
dorsement and approval that the authori-
ties of the War Department should recog-
nize. The forwarding of an application for
discharge from the army, either by an Off
Ger or enlisted man. through a member of
Congress and his presentation of the same
in person or by letter with a request for
favorable action by the department is a
gross departure from military regulations
and violation of the principles which con-
stitute the morale of an army. Such a
thing is unheard of in any other govern
to be inherent in our volunteer system. 1t
had, affecting to a greater or less extent
the mobilizing of volunteers, the conduct of
wars and the mastering out of troops 1t
was a source of great embarrassment to
President Lincoln in the civil war, as 1T has
doubtless been to President Mckinley in
the recent war In the early part of the
civil war the White House and War De-
partment were constantly beset with mem
bcrs of Congress and others of political in
fiuence urging the appointment or promo
ton of persons who in too many cases had
little claim on the score of service merit or
fitness. In that war the practice resulted in
the appointment of many unfit or unworthy
persons-incompeten officers dishonest
quartermasters and paymasters. immoral
chaplains, etc. Time and experience result
ed in the sitting out of many of these po-
litical appointments. but not until they had
inflicted much damage on the morale of the
army and the credit of the government.
and, in some cases, caused the needless sac
rifice of lives. AS the war progressed and
the situation became graver and the needs
of the Nation more imperative political in
fluence became less potent in military APP
pointments and promotions. but its effects
We're apparent all through the war. AS
conscientious and patriotic President as
Abraham Lincoln and as stern a secretary
of war as Edwin NJ. Stanton could not
wholly escape from this evil influence be-
cause it was inherent in the volunteer sys-
tenn and the system could not be changed.
There is reason to believe 1t was much less
active and potent In the recent war than it
was in the civil war yet no doubt 1t did
operate to some extent, insidiously and eff
fectively. 1t made itself felt on state off,
GERS in the organization Of state troops even
more than It did on the national authori-