The Washington times., 1913-08-04
OFFICERS WANT NEW
ARMY LEGISLATION
Present Situation Instanced as
Showing Need for Planning
Militia Mobilization.

In view of the apparent approach
of trouble with Mexico, army officers
are crying out for the enactment OF
legislation which they say is greatly
needed. They take the position that
legislation for the proper organization
of a volunteer army has long been a
necessity, but that 1t Is especially felt
at times like these when the country
may awake almost any day and find
itself involved IN difficulties which will
require use of troops across the Rio
Grande.
True, such use OF troops may never be
required, but on the other hand. 1t is
the general feeling in army, navy, and
Congressional circles that the Mexican
situation is a mine of danger which is
liable to explode at any time.
What is needed, the army officers
aver, is careful legislation for the or
ganization of volunteer army in time
of war. Further legislation touching the
National Guard is also needed. Chair
man Hay, of-the House Committee on
Military Affairs. has lately introduced
a bill providing a system OF organizing
a volunteer force. This measure.
though II does not go as far as some OF
the army men think IT should, f. is gen.
proyement over existing legislation
Hard to Wake Congress.
The situation as to organization of
volunteer army in time of serious need
illustrates the fact that it is well-nigh
impossible to get Congress walked up
on military matters except In time OF
actual danger. The doctrine OF prepar-
ing for war in time Of peace is given
little heed. This country has never, ac-
oording to army authorities, had the
problem of dealing with the volunteer
forces worked out with forethought and
system.
Back in civil war days legislation was
hurried, much of it was hitched to ap-
preparation bills; and one situation
after another was dealt with as it
arose When the Spanish war came or
the country was again caught mapping,
and the organization of the volunteers
was dealt with in emergency fashion.
The result was that the Administration
was overwhelmed with candidates for
shoulder straps pulling and hauling for
places, unfit officers were commissioned
the organization of regiments was
needIessly expensive, and the conduct
of the war was a. .reproach to the Amer
fact that there were no disasters in the
field.
Need Mobilization System.
Since the Spanish war, many ef-
forts have been made to work out the
volunteer problem and to formulate
systematic legislation which would,
on the outbreak of a war. make 1t
possible easily to raise regiments, to
do it without getting the army
swamped by the politicians. and
would insure at once a reasonable
economy combined with efficiency of
the personnel of officers and men.
Quick and systematic organization
must be assured, according to the
military view, IL this country is to
make any showing in the next war of
first-class or even moderate proper
tions. Roosevelt urged legislation to
this end, and so did Taft, Stimson.
and others. In fact, every head of
the War Department in recent years
and every chief of stan down to and
including Gen. Leonard Wood have
been insistent on having Congress
take hold of the volunteer problem
and work outa comprehensive scheme
for quick enlistment and effective or
ganiation and ofhcering.
Congress has never, however. seen fit
TO bestir itself. Army men hope II will
do something the coming regular ses-
sion. especially as Secretary Garrison
is showing himself to be one of the
most vigorous and able heads the War
Department has had in recent years. a
Secretary thoroughly alive to latter-day
military problems
Then, there is Federal pay legislation
for the National Guard. and legislation
whereby the guard can be taken out
of the country for service when needed.
Congress has been slow to give these
matters attention.
The regular army was never more
ready than Il is today TO take the field
quickly. Under the new plans Of Or
ganization, II necessary an order from
Washington TO General Murray, on the
Pacific coast. and General Barry, at
New York. would set the forces in mo-
tion in a few hours. Nothing would be
done haphaz"rd But the volunteer
problem cannot be worked out without
legislation.