New-York tribune., 1908-12-25
DEFECTS IN THE ARMY
Pointed out by General BeE-Noe
Enough REGULAR Troops.

xrA.-.o r,.c e4-The most urgent need Of
the army of the United States at present 10 az
adequate remedy for the evils resuiuhs Ho
tached service OF officers. says Major Senerl D.
FRANKLIN Bell chief of staff in his annual report
made public to-day. He also says tnat tne uine
has arrived when the United States can no ionsei
afford to maintain inadequate army ior Feace
needs nor an army with antiquated orsaniza-
ton"
According to General Bell. the number OF oncers
on detached is SOL The result Is characteF
lied as very disastrous and is assigned as the nIst
cause for the large number OF desertlons anions
enlisted men General Bell dwe1ls at length upon
the bad effect of young and inexperienced com
manders upon whom responsibility falls IN the ao-
sence of older officers. being called upon to perform
duty, in large part directed by Congress and made
necessary for the good of the military service. He
says the only way this evil be renedied is By
legislation.
General Bell says in his report that IL is dis
couraging fact that in case of a sudden outbreak
of hostIites with first class nation there are
not sufficient regular troops in the country, even
when reinforced by the national guard Of the
various states. to form an army, after deducting
the necessary force to provide a small garrison at
permanent posts and the necessary infantry
supports for coast fortifcations,''
The infantry arm is referred TO as too weak
numerically for the service required of It in
time Of peace. In proof of this General Bell says
that since January l, 1908. many regiments have
spent than half their time in a tropical cIi-
mate. insufficient opportunity being allowed in the
United States for officers and to recover from
tour of service abroad before another begins.
The cavalry is spoken of as an "antIquated
organization"
General Bell says that no civilized nation claim
Ing to have modern army has its cavalry arm
organized as the American cavalry is to-day. He
says that the field artillery should be increased
and declares that the engineer corps IS insufficient
both in the commissioned and enlisted personnel
for the duty devolving upon it in time Of peace
The scarcity of engineer officers is due chiefly,
General Bell says. TO increase in river and harbor
Panama Canal. A compliment Is paid to the signal
fare" General Bell says the corps should receive
experiments in aerial navigation.
The report says that the efficiency Of the cav
airy and infantry IN small shooting is prob
ably greater at the present date than at any time
In history. The Presidents physical tests for Off
GERS are praised having produced increased
interest in physical culture and the general care
of health among officers. General Bell adds that
tests and physical examinations have
come stay part OF the American military
system. Increased pay for the army has had the
effect, General Bell reports, of reducing the
Der of vacancies IN the enlisted force and of obtain
ing better list Of non-conlmiSsioned officers.
The old days of forming army, with
less efficiency, out Of recruits passed, he
declares The idee that all that is required to make
a soldier out of is to put him in uniform
and place rife In his hands is denounced dan
gerous 10 the nation, and that cannot be too
strongly opposed