New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-02
A NEW ARMY PROPOSED.
RADICAL REFORMS URGED BY
SECRETARY ROOT.
PROBLEMS IN INSULAR GOVERNMENT,
A PACIFIC CABLE AND OTHER M
PORTANT TOPICS DISCUSSED
IN HIS REPORT.
IN HIS REPORT.

Washington Dec. / (SpeciaD.-Radicai Army
reorganization is the chief recommendation or
Secretary Root in his first annual report TO the
President From the time-four months ago
to-day-when Secretary Root took charge OF
the War Department he has increasingly stud
led the Army problem OF which the complekity
and vicousness might have been expected TO
dishearten any ordinary man in the same man.
that It affected most Of his predecessors,
who successfully retired from Office after put
ting minor patches on the monster without ever
penetrating its extremely tough hide
Secretary Roots conclusions, which are urged
on Congress with rare common sense and power
ful argument. follow with singular precision
the sharp lines laid down in The Tribune in the
last year. during the agitation Of the subject
in this newspaper. beginning with its exposure
at the end Of the Spanish of the lamenta-
bic breakdown of the antiquated staff system,
which had gradually wormed itself into abso-
lutte control of the entire military service.
The Secretary Of War, to be expected
OF capable and fearless public official proposes
a thorough and sweeping reorganization Of the
lard forces of the United States. instead OF
wasting time with the Intellectual expedients OF
former heads OF the War Department, who had
TO content themselves for various reasons with
Coming into office unhampered by the prejudices
OF earlier military experience ne has evidently
been impressed by the extreme urgency for
prompt remedial legislation. striking at the
very roots Of the scandal breeding machine
that stands for a National defence and he has
become firmly convinced that behind the most
glarng and offensive influences Of the cabal sur
rounding him the entire foundation of the pres
ent system was simply a clumsy makeshift to
meet exigencies n the earlier days of the Re-
public which never
EIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS MADE.
Proceeding with the fundamental assump-,
provide for war, and that the United States
regular establishment must be assisted by vol
unteers il the event Of war. Secretary Root pre-
sents the following the prerequisites OF an
effective American Army organization:
First-Study by officers of plans for action.
This involves the establishment of a War COL
lege similar 10 that of the Navy.
Second-Preparaton Of Material. Fortifca-
tions, ordnance, etc.
Third-Seection Of officers according 20 merit
(a) Staff officers 70 have temporary instead
Of permanent tenures.
(b) Abolition or modification OF promotions
by seniority
(c) Staff officers to be selected for ability In
stead of social or political influence"
Fourth-Great drill of troops
(a) Appropriations for periodical moblliZa-
tion and evoutions.
(b) Naval cooperation in manPuVre5.
Fifth-Artillery branch should have head.
Sixth-Inspectors general should be increased.
STANDARDIZATION is needed that volun-
teers may be properly organized and prepared
for call to service.
Eighth-West Point Academy should be
larged.