The Washington times., 1905-03-31
AUSTRALIA READY
FOR POSSIBLE WAR
Organizing Colonial Militia
Under One System.
ARMY AND NAVY BOARD
Council of Defense Will Direct the
Policy of the Preparation.

SYDNEY, New South Wales, March
A-Although Australia has never suf-
fered from the presence Of hostile feet
In its vicinity. and possesses little ac-
i've military experience beyond that OBJ
tanned by the Soudan and South African
contingents, the necessity for being fully
prepared for any unforeseen contingent
cies arising out of the political compli-
cations so frequent in Europe and the
East has nd been lost upon the COM
monwealth government. which is stead
lily endeavoring to evolve something like
systematic organization out of the
chaotic conditions occasioned by the ex-
istence of half dozen state military
forces. each acting independently of the
other
by virtue of recent legislation the fed
eral authorities have been enabled to es-
tablish an improved military system
adapted to existing circumstances and
embracing the whole of the common
wealth. with view to securing a maxi
mum oc efficiency at minimum Of cost
Council of Defense.
The political head of the department
remains, as heretofore, the federal min
lister OF defense, who will have under
his control a council of defense con-
sisting of thoroughly experienced Off
GERS, who will investigate and discuss
all matters submitted to them affecting
the general policy of the naval and
military defense Of the commonwealth
and of the several states: likewise all
measures necessary for the defense of
the commonwealth in time of war, and
OF the total eXpediture on defense and
its distribution
The council. although nominally under
the political head of the department.
viii constitute the actual governing
body. thereby preventing any disloca-
ton of the system arising out of min
isterial changes. The work of admins
tration will devolve upon a military
board. each member of which has GER
tain duties assigned to him, as follows:
Deputy adjutant general-The person
mel, uniformity, training. and instruc-
ton, appointment, promotion and retire
ment OF officers: examinations for APP
pointment and promotions, returns, reg
plations. medals and decorations, dis
cipline, interior economy. transport of
Army Service Corps, Medical Corps,
Veterinary Department. rife clubs
cadets, chief of intelligence, defense
schemes and sstrategical considerations,
desperation of the naval and military
forces, regulation of traffic in defended
ports, mobilization schemes, organiza-
tien higher than unit, intelligence, topo-
graphy, and staff-ride schemes.
Ordnance Chiefs Duties.
Chief of ordnance-Armaments arms,
and ammunition. ordnance artifcers.
and ordnance stores, artillery and engi-
neer training, engineering and submarine
mining services. construction and main
tenance of rife ranges. supplies. cloth
ing, equipment, and tenders.
Finance Observation-Disclosures and &C
counts, treasury requirements, financial
regulations, requirements of expendi-
lures, estimates, acceptance of con-
tracts, etc. In each department the con-
troll of the various branches is to be
placed in the hands Of experienced In
dividuals, specially selected.
The virtual command of the military
forces is intrusted to an inspector gen
eral. who is to inspect the military
forces of the commonwealth likewise
the military forts and defense works
and buildings. He will also report upon
the results of the administration of the
forces, efficiency of troops, system OF
training equipment, preparedness of the
forces for war, and state and condition
of all defense works, buildings, and
stores. During time OF war, however
the governor general may appoint TO the
command any person whom he chooses
The inspector general, whoever he may
be should be the best man, but he may
Rot be- Hence the qualification. which
will prevent the possibility of any I'M
seemly difficulty arising during ar
emergency.
Brsgadier General Finn has been ap.
pointed inspector general, with a salary
Of ESQ inclusive of all allowances other
than travelling allowances. The appoint.
ra(
is for a term of not TO exceed foul
years His engagement under the com
monwealtn government will. under ordi,
nary circumstances. expire at the end Of
1906. The probability: is. however. that
his engagement will be extended for &
further term of two years.
Naval Board.
There IS also a naval board. which
subject 10 the control of the minister
Is Charged with the administration Of al
matters relating to the naval forces, the
members severally exercising such pow
ers and performing such duties as may
be from time to time assigned to them
by the ministry for\Defense
The principal member of the board Is
the director Of the naval forces. who Is
to inspect the naval forces of the com.
monwealth. and the vessels and all ma.
val works: and report upon the results
OF the administration of the forces. upor
the system of training. equipment. ant
the state Of the vessels and naval works
and stores. He will also have contro
of the personnel, uniformIng, training
end instruction, returns. regulations
medals, and decorations, discipline
preparation and maintenance plans or.
ganization. and maintenance of the ma
val forces, schemes OF defense 10,
the Commonwealth. SO far as the ma
val portion Is concerned, intelligence
cooperation of naval and military
forces. and supply OF war material.
When the new system is in fair work
ing operation, no time will be lost ir
making TIE coastal defenses Of the com.
rnonweaith az efficient as the amount OF
funds annually voted for that purpose
will admit. the main idea being TO do al
that is possible for the protection Of
Australian shores in time of war with
out laI nching into unnecessary expendi
ture. II the details are properly car
ried out the Australian defense system
bids fair to prove one of the cheapest
and most efficient in existence.
GAYNOR- GREENE CASE.
MONTREAL. March CHATTER