The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-07
Tn. pre.tdent and the Armx.

1t is deplorable incider: of the yelled
but rapid change in the character OF
American Institutions that the masses Of
the people seem absolutely inca pable Of
realizing what doctrinal and constitu-
tional revolution they have been promot-
ing and endorsing in their action at the
polls in the Two latest Presidential cleo
lions. There is no Just reason for doubt
ing, II the American people as whole had
been aware of the effect of their support
of the trusts. monopolies, and the Admin
istration system of unconstitutional car
petbag rule over our new possessions,
at they would have exercised the SUI
age differently. Perhaps unwittingly,
L not the less distinctly and defni-
rely, they have approved of a govern
,ntal policy as formulated and applied
the combination Of financial, indus
al, and political elements now domi-
ting the country, which, il will be seen
IN the nature of Administration pro-
sails for legislation. is subversive of the
= islative branch of the Government. cal
ated to transfer the powers and pre-
;atives OF the legislative to the execu-
E branch, and generally tending If not
iberately designed to make the ulti-
lie ruling power in the Republic execu-
that is. imperial-instead OF popular
! representative.
aving these considerations in mind, it
positively encouraging 10 know that
re is one Republican Representative
Congress brave enough and patriotic
ugh TO dare the vengeance OF Marcus
Hanna and The powerful, remorseless.
yengeful trusts and monopol;es behind
and stand out for respect for The
gritty OF American popular insti,u-
IS. Such courage has been shown by
Hon. Samuel w. Mccall, in q speech
the Army Reorganization bill deliv-
| in the House OF Representatives on
inesday last. 1t is not that the argu-
Of Mr. Mccall presents anything
'cially new. The objections raised by
10 the proposition that the size of
army ought to be regulated by ex-
i've pleasure have been repeatedly
ID by this and other independent press
,nents. But his attitude, remember
that he is one of the Republican ma
~ In Congress, popularity supposed to
altogether the dumb. driven cattle,
ianna, is unique, and almost justiiies
hope that, within an organization now
lily the purely personal asset OF
DOES. there may still exist men who
Ter or iater. VIII rise in revolt aeains,
poliiico- pluto.ratic eonspir,cy m s,,,
our liberties, ane ioin with the nor
friends Of the people "a defeat il
Mir Mccall like The Times. is uyi,e will
Ing that the military arm of the Cove.
ment should be made strong enough e.
meet the emergencies OF the hour. Tho
situation in the Philippines demands that
there should be an army large enough 10
conduct the war which. in presen. cir
cumstances, must he waeed. aside from
any consideration affecting its policy or
pror!iety, There is reason. also, for giving
the President all the armed men he may
reed TO Keep the oppressed and starving
people OF Porto Rico from rebellion nm
account Of the denial to them OF their
constitutional rights as citizens of an
American territory; and to keep the peace
In Cuba. That is one thing; but to endow
him with power and authority to say what
the strength OF The United States ARMY |
thall be In peace aud war. within limits |
which would enable him TO more than |
aoubie Its size al will. is a proposition
which the public sentiment Of the Repub. I
lie eannoi-at least ought not ;o-tolerate.
The present Army bin places the mini
mum Of the proposed permanent stab
lishmeni at more than double what IL was
NJ tie outbreak of the Spanish war Be-