New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-07-18
ARMY AND NAVY NOTES
Objectionable Clause in District
Appropriation Bill.
tFrOm The Tribune Bureau

Washington, July H.
M1SCHIEVOUS LEGISLATION.-Th
military-navaI authorities are much sur
prised to discover tucked away in the ap-
preparation bill for the government OF
the District of Columbia a clause Of
widespread effect. 1t prohibits the use Of
any appropriation OF the government for
The payment Of dues of any officer or ON
ploye of the United States as q member
OF any society or association. IT also pro-
hiblts the use of any government funds
TO defray the cost OF travel for any officer
OF employee OF the United states TO attend
conventions or other meetings Of societies
and associations. This clause of tho bill
Is evidently intended to prevent certain
class OF travel which has been made at
government expense, but the sweeping
provision has the effect OF deprlying army
and naval medical officers. for instance.
from attending the meetings Of medical
societies and the sanitary congresses ana
other International conferences at which
II is important that this government
should be professionally represented.
The Secretary Of War was invited re-
Gently TO attend Q medical congress IN
London. and. following the practice
designated an army surgeon to represent
him. II was discovered the officer would
have to pay the cost Of the trip and all
other expenses out OF his own pocket be-
cause of this law. the source of which IS
moro or less q mystery.
Steps will he promptly taken by TIE
war and Navy departments 10 insert
clauses In the army and navy approp:1a-
5on bills giving discretion 20 the heads OF
,hcse departments to authorize attendance
Mt such meetings by representatives or
he mi!itary-naval establishment rs the
matter stands 1t Is a distinct disadVan-
;aEe and would, of course. prevent ihls
government being represented AT any con-
vention. The general effect OF this lesis-
!stlon evidently escaped notice in me
House and Senate.
ARMY COUNCIL IN SESSION.-Pians
for recognizing and strengthening inc
military forces OF the United States a''
being thrashed out by Secretary Sum-
sons army council now in session here.
Two distinct and variant views are being
considered. one plan would create re
,arve composed entirely of men VINO
nave served a least one enlistment in the
regular army. and who. for a small an
nual compensate would report at occa-
.5onal masters and drills and hold them
selves I'm readiness FOR a call 10 the colors.
The othe- looks TO the increase OF the
,esuIar army to its full war strength
practically abandoning the reserve theory
The council is also discussing prop'-
-stion to abandon the big isolated army
,yosts and locate the troops In great cities.
Reasons of greater economy are urgcd
in favor Of this proposition, which ~
wolves the permanent assignment OF each
regiment to some particular city, thus
making It easy to reach and recall 10 the
colors the soldiers whose enlistments have
axpIred and who take up their homes III
The vicinity OF the regiment.
Admitting the numerical insuhlciencF OF
the field artillery. one Of the most vital
dement's in the army, the council Is cor
si6erinc the idea OF strengthening that
ayn In time Of war by flling up skeleton
organizations.