New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-14
OFFICER RAYS THE ARMY
Lieutenant Colonel Petht's Opinion
Applauded by Military Institute.

Lieutenant Colonel James Petit Sth United
States Infantry yesterday praised the military
organization under a monarch as ideal in
speech before the Military Service Institute OF
the United States Governors Island. In a
startling address he showed contempt for the
United States Army service. He said the safety
of this country is due solely to the care of
Providence so bad was the military policy. He
commented sarcastically the army, analysed
the system pointed out its weak spots and
proposed a larger army. His ideas were ap-
! plauded by the major generals and other high
army officers present. Wide was the discussion
Yesterday on the fact that an officer still in
the service should voice such opinions
Mr. Petit said, in part:
Men who would not think of taking their
watches to a blacksmith for repairs or their SICK
to a tailor for treatment complacently. yea en-
Enthusiastically, send their sons and protnerS 70
death under officers utterly ignorant or war ana
of the care of men in camp and IN the neld ana
most of all, the men selected Tor such conlaltus
accent them knowing that they are perfectly
inconnetent to administer them. and the nos
pitfalls soon bear grewsome testimony 10 their
incompeteucy. 49, -,
racv based on the will of millions of people, eX-
pressed through devious and changing chahnels,
cannot be as skilful OF efficient IN the coHuuct
o9 Military affairs as a monarchy headed by a
wise and powerful chief. The very essence OF
,,,;Ii+orv strength is zone power'-the
and must be felt to the lowest unit in the army
when he is ruler of the nation as Well ne Is
court of last appeal, and secures that UNITY Oh
commend and control of so vital TO the
Snccessful organization. the discipline and cam
naiening of armies The further we depart
fron, their principles the weaker we become
monarchy is more permanent, ana can
4,a.afore establish a fixed military policy, SO
necessary in the building up of an army: A
oSsjsfant definite policy with some faults is
hettar than constantly changing one. Inc
soIyareign IS not fettered by the spoils system,
go indehted TO politicians for his office. He is
, 9r nm educated soldier. Clausewity ana
os tbair day From heredity the officers are &C
% TO command and the men to obey.
Sacoenizing that the autonomy OF their coun-
- 1ss heir claims to the crown may be put
- tho fest of arms. they must constantly Dc
" FOR war and compulsory military SER
ptica &c accepted the naturai opEgauoh OF
80. citizen With our great monarchles the
eNot of organization and discipline are easy
In these respects iiioiiaieii"
have an advantage &. btas ~ +bs
nv president is commander In cfleI Oh the
.l,ir and there is nothing TO prevent nlln
$50 taIring the field I'm person should MS FANCY
io5 him in that direction. or he may assuliie
actual command at the capltal as MT ..eS
Ala Changing places Of campaign and dispersing
uu, INST as they concentrated for effective
aItiIss' president is only human and has a
indabIa desire for reelection and is also CRATE
~ 90 needs but TO have spent a few days In
v,1s,rf,ton I'm 1898 TO have noted the army of
tsca seekers that besieged the White house,
eager and anxious 10 advance 'hpir oiaiii'S lor
ONCE either large or small
The paper received the Dr. seamens prize
of 500