The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-11-10
TIE DECK-CAPRON PAY BIZ.
a summing Up Or the Reasons why ths
Infantry wants II Amended.

To EDITOR or TIVE SuE-Sir: So much
has appeared in print regarding the Dick
Capron pay bill that 7 do not deem IL neces-
sary to repeat it's provisions. 1t has been
conceded by those in authority at Washing
ton and by every fair minded oficer that
this proposed bill would work an injustice to
all foot troops, because 10 would further In
crease the discrimination already existing
against them in the matter OF pay.
The foot troops are told that 10 is mex
pedient" to AVE the bill amended: that It.
will he defeated II not allowed to no through
in It's present form: and that through such
defeat all branches Of the services will suffer.
IL is also said that the infantry will incur
the -antaRonism- and hostility" Of all other
branches il the bill Is defeated, and that no
one will get an increase Of pay. The infantry
10 urged to accept the bill as drafted and is
promised correction later OF the inequalities
complained Of.
To the case as presented the foot troops
answer: IL Is not inexpedient TO have this
bill properly amended before it goes to Con-
gress so as to aIlOw the same pay proper for
the same grades In all branches. the pay Of
enlisted men to he regulated by the Presi-
dent. and mounted officers Ia receive a sum
cient and liberal allowance II owning their
own mounts preferably TO be furnished their
mounts and equipment by the Government.
but not to receive any such bonus as is pro-
posed by the present bill. An hours work
would put the bill in proper shape for pre-
sentation to Congress.
Why should the foot troops, when they
know they are right in this matter. be ex
pected to remain silent and suffer n greater
wrong? The large majority of our forces
il composed Of foot troops: upon their en-
cien"v the nation depends for it's protection.
L. me infantry Is neglected and degenerates
In morale and training. disaster is invited.
The infantry should not only be willing but
glad to incur the "~antaROnism" and hos
tiity" Of al other branches. n by so doing
IL knows it is fighting for its rights and
preserving the efficiency Of the army.
Is IL not a logical conclusion that unless
pay inequalities are corrected graduates Of
The Military Academy and officers generally
will prefer and seek mounted service? And
that the infantry will not get an increase Of
pay II H. objects to the bill in its present form,
and that the enlisted men will also suffer by tho
obduraCy Of the protesting infantry officers.
This argument is disingenuous. for Congress
10 not blind to actual necessity. and to keep
the enlisted man in the service will have to
sWork together for readjustment" ia a
cry Of the promoters Of the bill, who OF course
be made after their bill is passed. Does II
stand to reason that Congress-. II IL passes a
tIiImne i% Within a seneratiob 70 take Gpi co sS SS@
enacted is going TO stand on the statute books
uNlCllhu W AhuHE SNalbs a6 mas Uttu NQe
case with the present law. "Inexpediency"
20 the contrary. every oficer OF foot troops
Is in honor bound to do all he can to preserve
the efficiency Of his own arm He is negligent
OF his duty II he sacrifices It TO his own per
sonal gain.
We are told that the three Seer etaries
have agreed on the present bill and IL 10 too
late TO change H. now The simple ansWer
20 that is that the Secretary OF the Navy and
the Secretary Of the Treasury would GER
tainly not object to the submission OF a bill
70 Congress that would put the navy. Marine
plane Of efficiency exactly as high as that OF
the mounted branches.
Can there be any right or justice in a bill
which would. II passed allow q retired mounted
offcer more pay than would be received by
q retired d~ismounted oeioer Of the aame grade
and length OF s~ervics? x" writes from
Atlanta OF the superior attrectiyensss Of the
mounted branch then surely those In that
branch ought TO be willing to serve their
country for a sum no greater than their dis
mounted friends are receiving in the branch
which is less attractive. FooTS SERVICE.
HAVANA, November l..