The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1910-12-16

fee In Which Warrior Says Japs
Could Invade Western Country.
Washington. Dec. 16. - The situa-
tion in official circles over Secretary
of War Dickinson's suppressed re-
ports on the unpreparedness of the
national defenses has become more
acrimonious. Representative Taw-
ney of Minnesota, chairman of the
house appropriations committee,
practically charged that conspiracy
exists between the various depart
ments and military enthusiasts in
congress to create a nationwide sen
timent for big appropriations for
army and navy purposes. Mr.. Taw-
aey's statement explains the activity
of the congress leaders, supported by
President Taft, i'm bringing about the
suppression of the so-called sensa-
tional Dickinson reports. THE war
department" said Mr.. Tawney, "has
joined in an effort to Hobsonize the
entire country"
The Tawney statement was only
one of several interesting develop
ments in the course of the day. The
White House announced, after Presi-
dent Taft had conferred with Secre-
tary Dickinson and Senator Root,
who was formerly at the head of the
war department, that no report what
ever would be sent to the house in
response to the McLachlan resolu-
tion calling for a statement of the
condition of the national defenses.
Later there were further confer
ences at the White House and an an
nouncement that another report-the
third in the series that have been
prepared by Secretary Dickinson
would be sent TO the house. This an
nouncement was made by Secretary
Dickinson himself, after he had a
talk with the president. 1t is sup
posed that Mr.. Dickinson objected to
the embarrassing situation in which
he would find himself If he finally
had to abandon his intention of send
Ing in a report after two unsuccess-
full trials. Accordingly he and Gen
eral Wood, chief of staff settled
down TO the drawing Of a third state
I ment. This report will eliminate the
data and opinions of a sensational
character that were objected to in
the other reports, and apparently
will be entirely harmless. 1t is ex-
pected that the third report will be
finished today.
While Mr.. Tawney was talking
Hobson and conspiracy and the
White House was holding confer
ences, the military enthusiasts in
the house, notably those from the
Pacific coast, were airing their opin-
ions on the country's military forces
and the doleful prospects of the fu-
| ture.
Representative McLachlan, the au-
! thor of the resolution that has
stirred up the trouble, was quoting
General Adna Chaffee, Admiral Bob
Evans and other authorities of equal
prominence on views which they had
confided to him on the dangers from
| the yellow peril" II was the talk
of these men, according to Mr.. Nc
Lachlan, that inspired him to intro
duce his troubles.
"There is something peculiar about
this matter" said Mr.. Tawney. 81
do not like to use the word 'conspir-
acy' in connection with 1t, but there
may be interesting developments
when the whole story is told.
at is a positive disgrace for a
man or a nation to declare that he
with any adversary that may come
along. ! may feel confident that an.
other mans physical powers are su-
perior to mine, but / would be re-
garded as a coward If confessed it
from the housetops.
This effort that has been made to
get the report of the secretary of
war before the American people is
simply a part of a propaganda on the
part Of our military enthusiasts to
secure support for larger appropria-
| tions"
Representative McLachlan, the au-
thor of the resolution that called
forth the report, laughed at the Taw.
ney charge of conspiracy.
Il will tell you" said he, chow !
happened to introduce that resolu
ticn. was talking with General
Adna r. Chaffee out in Los Angeles
and asked him about our prepared,
ness for war. He startled me by
saying that the United States was as
helpless as baby, and that we were
powerless TO oppose invasion by any
| foreign power-by the Japanese, for
instance He went even further than
| this. He declared that the japanese
would find no trouble in landing an
army on the Pacific coast, practically
unopposed, and could make con
quest OF the entire section west OF
the Rocky mountains. More than
this, he doubted IL she could ever be
dlslodged when this was once accom-
! plished.
IF had not known General Chat,
fee for an Unconditional. solid, sensi'
BILE man aside from his qualifications
as soldier, should have censid
/ l,f n LAT / NUanl