The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1912-02-23
ARMY BILL FORCED
THROUGH HOUSE
Cuts Off Five Regiments
Of Cavalry.
Republicans Made Vain Fight to
Save Extra Pay for En-
listed Men.

appropriation bill, carrying all of the
essential features of the reorganization
plan proposed by Representative Hay
of Virginia, chairman of the Commit
tee on Military Affairs, was forced
through the House to-day. Enough Dem
ocrats broke away from the machine
when the five-year enlistment amend
ment was voted on to give the Demo-
1i6 to 13i, but this was the only time the
steam roller was in danger of an up
set.
AS 1t passed the House the army bill
Increases the enlistment period from
three to five years; reduces the cavalry
branch of the army by five regiments in
the face of the possible trouble south of
the Rio Grande River, eliminates the ex-
ira pay that for years has been allowed
officers and enlisted men detailed to du-
ty in the Philippines and other noncon-
tiguous territory, which amounts almost
to a breach of contract with the men;
creates a service corps and a new gen.
eral staff and abandons twenty So
called useless army posts.
That the army bill is revolutionary is
putting it mildly. 1t strikes at several
of the fundamental principles for which
Maj. Gen. Wood. chief of the general
staff. and his associates, have been Ia
boring long. offering in their stead I'M
tried theories written into the bill by
Chairman Hay and those who have col
laborated with him.
The Republicans Of the House tried In
vain to stem the current andpre vent a
wholesale slashing of the military estab-
lishment with consequent injustices to
officers and men. For example,a strenu-
Gus effort was made to prevent the cut
ting off of the 10 per cent extra pay al
lowed officers and 20 per cent given en-
listed men while serving outside of Con-
tinental United States. But the Demo-
Gratis turned a deaf ear to every sugges-
ton made along this line.
When Representative Hobson of Ala
bama secured recognition and offered
an amendment limiting the time when
this proposed change would take place so
that 1t would not affect men now in the
service. Representative Fitzgerald of New
York made a point Of order, which Rep
resentative Saunders Of Virginia. who
was presiding. quickly sustained.in spite
of the fact that Minority Leader Mann
said distinctly two or three times he
desired to be heard on the point of or
der. Mr.. Hobson warned his Democrat
&c colleagues that this was mistaken
and unjust policy. calculated to work
an injury to the army. in addition TO
Withholding from the men compensation
to which they knew they were entitled
when they entered the service.
This proposition was finally disposed
of by roll call. Representative Prince
VI AthhOiop AohnhA6 AeSPooASoh Oh Wv
Military Committee. making a motion
to recommit the bill with instructions
that the Objectionable provision be strick-
en- out. and the same be Immediately
reported back to the House. The vote
on this roll call was ZIG ayes to Isl
noes.
1t is foregone conclusion that the
Republican Senate will not stand for all
of the revolutionary features OF the
bill. but It will not occasion surprise II
some of the provisions are allowed to
stand in order that the Democrats may
reap whatever discredit may follow their
operation. Some strong members of the
Sencte are disposed to call the bluff
Of the House Democrats on other Of
their ECONOMY propositions.
After the army bill had been dispos-
ed Of the house again resolved itself in
to committee of the whole for further
consideration of the omnibus war claim
bill Representative shackleford of Mis-
souri, was called to the chair. The Demo
ocrats Immediately began to applaud.
giving the Missourian quite an ovation.
The immediate occasion for this demon
stration was not apparent. Judge Shack
leford was obviously pleased and weild--
ed the gavel with good grace. consid-
Grafton Of this bill will be resumed to-
morrow after the Pujo resolution en-