New-York tribune., 1899-12-03
A NEW ARMY.

We are glad to see that Secretary Root Is
diligent reader of The Tribune, and that he has
become convert to the Army reforms which
this journal has been so persistently urging Tor
q year past If the plans proposed by the Sec
retary in his annual report are carried into ell
feet the United States Army will shortly under
90 a transformation comparable TO that which
In the last few years has so improved the or
ganizaton and the equipment of the Navy.
The need Of a reform creating new
Army is not less than was one creating
a new Navy and 1t can be secured only
nv radical methods. Excellent as Is Its person
mel and splendid as has been its work. the Army
as an organization is Renaissance Of out
grown conditions Of the country and rudiment-
ary practice in the art of war. The clumsy
makeshift system which has been made to do
service long beyond its time is as antiquated as
wooden frigate. Progressive Army officers
themselves have recognized this but their eff
forts for better things have been too frequently
defeated by prejudice or Indifference in Con-
gress, or by the influence Of those in their own
circle who, having vested interests in comforta-
bic berths had no desire for change.
1t was only with the greatest efforts and in
face of strong opposition that at the beginning
of the Spanish war our Army was allowed to
make use of the modern three battalion system
which is so important for present day tactics.
From time to time pecemeal reforms have been
made. but in spite Of them the Army organiza-
tlon has been In essence about what Congress
made il at the close of the Civil War, when law
makers had a notion that II would not be needed
again for anything of Importance. Accordingly,
when war broke out last year it found the coun-
try in anything but an adequate state of prepa-
ration Regular Army bureaus were Ill adapted
for the work they were called upon to perform,
and in raising volunteers it was necessary to re-
sort to methods which every military expert
condemned Friction and confusion were inev-
table and the wonder is that there was so little
rather than that there was so much.
The lesson Of staff abuses and inadequate
preparation for increasing the Army without re-
course to politicians is clear. Thorough reor-
ganiZation of the staff of the Regular Army is
also needed, as The Tribune has so frequently
pointed out. Also scheme should be devised for
securing volunteers who will be an integral part
OF the Army, subject to It's discipline and Off
cered by men of experience. Secretary Roots
recommendations are calculated to bring about
these reforms in thoroughgoing fashion. The
system he proposes means really the creation of
q modern military force in this country capable
OF expansion in an orderly way, and organized
TO secure real efficiency Of operation everywhere
In place of the present immobilty which is
premium on dead wood and q check to enter
prise. Perhaps his most important proposal is
for temporary instead of permanent staff ten
ures. That means the overthrow Of the over
grown Bureaucracy, which has ridden the Army
like an old man of the sea. II means making n
unit Of the whole service. In connection with
the proposed modification of the rule OF promo
tons so that men may rise by efficiency as well
as seniority, and may secure staff places solely
by making records Of special ability and fitness
for the work to be done. 1t would result in an
Army in which the incentive for good work
would everywhere exist and have a chance 10
operate.
To an Army so organized and with such a
spirit Secretary Root would give every opportu-
nifty 10 learn military science by study and prac-
hce. There can be no doubt of tho use OF a