The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-07
Circulation Statement.



Whether or not we should regard ours
as a military people, in instinct, as they
are by tradition and achievement in the
past, has nothing to do with the fact that
millions of Americans watch the United
States Army, its organization, action, and
progress with intense interest-with in
terest perhaps born of an almost uncon-
scious feeling that it is in continuous
succession from the gallant body of men
who. under the immortal Washington, won
our independence.
The American Army. whether regarded
historically, or in relation to its present
position, service or personnel. is always a
popular theme for discussion. The great
movements and triumPhs of the country
are eneysted in its annals, and to it, and
our always glorious navy. we owe much
of the power, prestige, and respect abroad
which the Republic enjoys today. Inter
est in the establishment is excited anew
just now by the passage of the Army Re-
organization bill, and executive action in
giving effect TO its provisions.
This journal opposed the present Law
before it became one-on the ground that
It surrendered the war making pre-
rogatiye of Congress, in giving the Presi-
dent authority to name the strength
of the military establishment between
widely separated maximum and minimum,
at his OWE viii and pleasure. But Congress
chose to surrender its power in the mat
ter. and, while we believe that this was
opposed to public policy, and tended to
the subversion of our free institutions. the
bill is law, and, being law. must be ae-
cepted and obeyed.
Our army has splendid record. 1t has
more clearly demonstrated the patriotism
of q great people and their general ability
TO turn the transit instrument into can
non, and the Iogarithms of peace into
the engineering processes Of war, or to
transform the yardstick into the rifle or
sabre. than has the war organization OF
any other great Power in modern times.
For the better part of a century we have
maintained what is acknowledged TO be
one of the best military schools in the
world. and its alumni have covered them
selves with laurels on many hard-fought
field But. agreeably to the genius of our
institutions, entrance 10 the commissioned
ranks of the army has not always been
preserved az an impasse to all but gradu-
ates from West Point. The best way to
produce efficient officers, no doubt. is TO
catch them young and train them to the
business they are expected TO follow in
life. But soldiers, like poets. are born, and
fynu ha
time of Queen Anne down 10 the present
day, Americans have shown. again and
again. their ability to become military
commanders upon the strength of self
education in the art OF war, and practical
campaign experience. The civil war
brought out this fact radiantly There
were few better division or corps COM
manders than John A. Logan, who was
foreman Of fire engine company when
the secession movement began in 1861
In making his nominations for the high
est places in the new establishment. il
appears that President Mckinley has kept
the claims of the volunteer element we'll
in mind. His selections undoubtedly will
cause heart-burnings in the service, and
possibly individual officers may feel zhat
their claims TO recognition have been
sighted We cannot 90 into that braneh
OF the subject. The nominations are all
of men who have done, or are alleged to
have done, service which demands re-
ward.
The results of executive action in the
premises are interesting. as showing what
chances state of war offers TO the sner-
Qestfc and advaDt,,ro,,s soId;ar ,,5 -a.
times. to the soldier with political or per
sonal influence. Two of the new brigadier
generals. Wood and Bell, are promoted
from captaincies, the first from the med
ical corps and the second from the cav
airy. Another, Frederick d. Grant, is 10
be credited to the volunteers. although a
graduate of West Point From the list.
We are able approximately TO forecast the
generalship in chief of the army for many
years to come.
II is said that Lieutenant General Miles T,
will be retired next summer. That would !
make it possible for Mr.. Mckinley to
place Senator Platt's friend Otis in com
mand for year. Major General Brooke. 1
who retires in 1902, would probably lose I
the chance. although ne might, perhaps
secure retirement with the highest rank
a matter dependent upon dates. Then
Young might wear the three stars from |
1902 10 1904 Chaffee from 1901 to 1906.
Wade for the next year. and Macarthur !
for the next. That brings US down to |
Brig. Gen Leonard Wood, who II he lives
seems destined to command the United
States Army from 1908 TO 1924, a period I
Of sixteen years. destroying the hopes for
chief command. IL they are permitted to |
rest upon the basis OF seniority, of Briga- /
der Generals Grant and Bell, who viii
retire for age, respectively, IN 1913 and /
1920.
IL ever there was lucky man. II is
Leonard Wood. According TO his friends
luck in his case is only another name for
conspicuous merit. However that may be
when the Spanish war broke out he WAS
only surgeon captain. But he had been
alert in taking advantage OF his opcortuni-
Ties out in The Indian country, and it is
~ there were few people WHO
Kid have been selected to