New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-12-31
FOR ARMY BEHERMENT
New League Proposed to Make
Military Needs Known.
TO FORM PUBLIC OPINION
History Quoted to Show Cost
of Entering on War With
out Due Preparation.
From The Tribune Bureau. 7

Washington. Dec. 90 A nationwide
movement for the organization OF an
army league, similar 10 the Navy League.
Is being pushed by Henry White. for
merly Ambassador TO France; General
j. {. Bates and Frederic l. Hudekoper,
and is receiving the support Of many
prominent Americans. In a circular let
ter just issued by the sponsors OF the
movement the purposes OF the proposed
organization are set forth as follows:
To collect and make public information
respecting the condition, orga nizatiou and
equip mont OF the United states army
and the organized militia
10 make known the truth concerning
tneln ana the points wherein they require
10 be bettered. I'm order 10 constitute 81
military force such as the American ma
ton ought TO possess
10 arouse public interest and 10 in
duce cooperation In all matters tending
10 ana, improve or develop the efficiency
Of the land forces Of the United States
whether regular. militia, volunteer or re-
serve.
The point is made that the object of
the league is not Ito create large
standing army or to preach militarism
In the United States" but rather to de-
Velop an intelligent public opinion as 10
the military necessities. TO disseminate
correct information regarding actual mil
itfry deficiencies and to point out a
method OF correcting them which shall
be entirely in harmony with American
institutions.
Preparedness is the best insurance
against war is a significant sentence in
the appeal for support
Some interesting facts are given in a
pamphlet issued in the interest OF the
league In regard to the wars in which
the country has engaged it is stated:
Never in our history have we been pre-
pared for wal, war a good business man
neither can n good soldier. To employ
unframed material Is always dangerous
and very expensive. In the Revolution
we used 23l,0 regulars and l64JG militia
and volunteers against England's 1885
yet il cost us s57O.0oo,O0O and 100000 in
pensions.
In the War Of 1872 we had 1892 regu-
lars and tn.s22 militia against the Eng
llsh and Canadian forces Of only about
-. 900 men. That war cost MS ss2,627.0 900 and
SIS. go in pensions
In the Mexican War 3l.o24 regulars and
1859 militia were required to oppose
about 5000 MeXcans, at q cost OF $500
81. 956. 7sS.
In the Civil War the United States ON
ploycd no less than 5000 regulars and
? 6o.8 militia and volunteers, against about
10000 Confederates. The war cost the
fabulous sum Of S.37l. 0I9. 7is and S3.s37-
@S.l1 has already been paid In pensio Is,
and we are Iona way from the end Vet.
The Spanish-American War compelled
us 10 use 5s.bSS regulars and 223. 23j militia
or volunteers, against 10000 Spaniards at
a cost OF 1921 SEQ. 20. while 1916 regulars
and 5O,052 volunteers were employed In
the Philippines. at cost OF 81. 32s.572.
and $50 1911, 72j has already been paid in
pensions for them both.
Prominent army officers. including
Major General Wood. chief OF stan. are
helping the movement In every possible
way.