New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-29
ARMY AND NAVY NOTES
New Military Reserve Law Re.
uarded as a Failure.
From The Tribune Bureau

Washington, OCTOBER o.
AT ODDS REGARDING RESERVES.
One of the first matters to engage the
attention of the House Military Commit
tee al the beginning of the regular ses-
sion will be the proposal to repeal that
part of the army law which provides Tor
a military reserve. Members of the
committee have been informed that only
eleven soldiers have signified an inten-
ton of going into the reserves, and there
is a prospect of few more from year TO
year.
This failure is attributed to the fact
that the reserve law was a compromise
and il is realized that a mistake was
made in a part of the law relating to
enlistment period. concerning which
there was much controversy between
leaders in Congress and the War Depart
ment. Some of the military authorities
are still anxious that the enlistment
period be reduced to one year. to which
Congress will not assent. No change is
contemplated in the four year period.
and any attempt 10 make a change VIII
lead to a spirited controversy.
The War College has been engaged
for some time on the draft of bill to
esta blish a new reserve system. 1t Is
proposed 10 increase the bonus to be
paid TO former enlisted men who prove
their identity and who present them
selves for military service in time of
war. but with no attempt to keep track
of them in the meanwhile.
Congress will not heed this recommen-
datlon. The only thing seriously CON
templated by those responsible for army
legislation is in the direction Of a re-
peal OF the existing reserve law. That
is regarded as an interference with en-
listment and futile.
UNITED STATES OFFICERS PRO
TEST Tine military authorities are wait
ing with the utmost interest the news
from Mexico, with a view to determining
what shall be done with the troops COM
posing the I'd Division, in Texas. under
General William II. Carter. The com
plants which have reached the War De-
partment from officers Of that command
are numerous and emphatic. There Is
much discomfort among the soldiers, who
are restless under the restraint and UNI
comfortable I'm the climate and surround
ings.
1t has been arranged. as has been an
nounced I'm these dispatches. to relieve
two Of the cavalry regiments, and IL IL
also proposed to extend the system, funds
permitting. so as TO replace other reSi-
ments which have been In Texas for
months with commands which have been
at Northern stations. There is some diff
ficuty in doing this. however, and the
cost Of the transportation Is detcrrinS
factor.
In the meantime the War Department
is continuing its consideration Of the COM
position Of what is known. for conven-
fence. as an Invading army" There are
many details 10 be perfected in this par
tcular. and preliminary negotiations with
steamship lines for the acquisition Of YES
sells and with railroad companies FOR the
transportation of troops by rail. in the
event Of an emergency, must be con-
Quoted.
There must also be an arrangement for
the concentration OF supplies with view
10 their immediate shipment to any point
on the Mexican border or on the At
lantic or west coast where such stores
may be needed. either for use By troops
entering Mexico across the Rio Grande
or by troops which proceed TO Mexico
from from some seaport.
Much difficulty has been encountered by
the army quartermasters. who have to
do with the prcliminaries. on account Of
the lack OF funds. II Is already fore
seen that there will be an inadequate
amount available for this purpose as the
appropriations made By Congress for the
current fiscal year, ending June % next
did not contemplate expenses for army
transportation beyond the ordinary move
ment OF troops.
1t Is necessary. therefore. for the War