The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-16
He Does Not Think Citizen Soldiers
and Sailors Are Very Valuable
in Time of War.
PASSAGE OF PENSION BILL
ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE WITHOUT
CHANGE OF ANY KIND.
Resolutions Providing for Mckinley
Memorial Services in the Capitol
Passed Unanimously.

WASHINGTON, Jan. ia spirited de-
bate was precipitated in the Senate to-day
by some remarks submitted by Mr. Hale,
of Maine, in respect to bills relating to the
formation of a naval reserve, which he
introduced. He took strong ground against
the organization of a naval reserve, his
comments being construed by some of the
senators into a reflection upon volunteer
soldiers and militia. Half a dozen senators
were on their feet in an instant to defend
the volunteers and the national guard of
the various States. and the debate took
so wide range that senators went back
i'm their references to the days of the revo-
Iutionary war to seek Illustrations for their
arguments. While no action was possible
at this time. it is likely discussion upon
the measures, should they be reported,
would be very lively. No business of spe-
cial Importance was transacted. the time
of the Senate being consumed by matters
of routine.
Mr. Hale opened the discussion by saying
that the reliance placed by some people
upon the naval reserve never would be
realized. Experience had shown, he said,
that at the beginning of war plenty of
young men were ready to enlist in the
navy and enter the ranks of naval militia
but at the conclusion Of the war the in
terest in the organizations ceased and it
was found difficult to maintain them. He
was of opinion that the United States
was not likely as a Nation to take much
interest in the militia forces either Of land
or sea. In time Of stress he was certain
that the country would oe obliged to de-
pend upon volunteers, called out In an
emergency or upon some form OF compul-
sorry service. England, he said. had
Learned this lesson from her smallest and
wickedest war" IT, he said. I'VE are
10 learn the lessons other nations have
learned. Every one of the nations of the
world that stands snarling at another de-
pends, TO some extent, upon some sort of
compulsory military service"
Mr. Hale declared that England was
about TO resort 10 cOnscriptiOn TO raise
men to fight "a band of free men thous-
ands OF miles away" 1t has been proved,
he said, that naval militia was not a sue
cess Of course, it could be maintained in
"a lingering, half-hearted manner, but it
never really amounted to mucn. In con-
clusion he said: IF we have determined
that are 10 become a great war power,
with a great army and "A great navy, no
system Of volunteering will answer the
purpose
In response 10 an inquiry from Mr.. Haw-
ley, Mr.. Hale said he did not suppose
that the United States ever would dispense
absolutely with the militia. II would con-
tinue To be maintained in a half-hearted
way In time of war he did not think
IL would be worth reckoning with.
Several senators. among them Messrs.
Mason. Spooner Teller, Hoar and Bacon,
were drawn into the debate in defense of
the militia forces of the various States,
Mr. Hale finally disclaiming any intention
to reflect on the National Guard.
Mr. Tilman insisted that Mr.. Hoar
should give some OF the credit of achiev-
ing independence 10 other colonies than
New England. Amid laughter ana ap-
plause. he declared: There's glory enough
TO go round. as our great admiral I'm COM
mand at the battle OF Santiago said
At the conclusion Of the discussion. Mr.
Hoar introduced the following resolution:
THAT the President. If in his judgment
II be not Incompatible with the public in
terest be requested 10 inform the Senate
whether the Department OF State had any
official information whether the British
government ekacts dues On goods intended