El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-12-11

fled with the present enlistment con-
tract
From the most careful consideration
that I have been able to give this sub
ject I have reached the conclusion that
we viii be able to get a reserve, II one
is obtainable at all, by a provision of
law that will permit the departmen
when II IS satisfied as to the pro-
ficiency Of the soldier, to honorabIy
discharge him with no other Obliga-
ton on his part, as Tar as the balance
Of his enlistment is concerned, except
to return to the colors in case Of actual
war"
Army Not a Toy.
white believe there is q world
wide and growing sentiment for the
settlement without blOodshed Of all dis
putes between nations, I recognize the
fact that the time has not yet come
when a nation can wisely disarm or
slacken its efforts for preparedness in
case Of war. The army is not a lux
ury; it is a public necessity. A nation
that is OpulenIs enCerpr1S1ng, and IN
armed. as of old, still invites agrees
sion If not disaster. Speaking for that
element Of the national forces which
comes under the control of this de-
partmenr, 1 hope to see in time ef
peace a growing sentiment of increased
pride in our army that will make the
uniform Of officer and enlisted man
respected always and everywhere, and
not an object of curiosity or invidious
discrimination"
The Mexican Border Patrol.
The Mexican border patrol the sec
rotary discusses at some length:
AT the date of the last annual re-
port there were on duty IN connection
with the patrol of the Mexican border
approximately 1854 officers and en-
listed men, The present strength is
about the same, but largely composed
Of different organizations.
"An extensive patrol has been con-
II ~=-1-n -
from the Gulf Of Mexico to Sasabe, 80
miles west of NOgales, Ariz., a dis
lance, following the windings Of the
frontier, Of some 1900 miles.
THE duty of our troops at border
towns during the conflicts between the
two cOntending Mexican factions was
OF a most trying nature, and the con-
duct Of the troops under the cir
judgment and self restraint on the
part Of commanding officers, are high
" creditable."
Desertio1s Are High.
There were 94s9 vacancies in the en-
listed strength Of the regular army
at the end Of the last fiscal year when
its actual strength was 1885, and the
4.15 percent of the whole number Of
enlistments. Though larger than the
percentage for the three preceding
years, that was yet smaller than the
percentage for any other year since
1901.
To Open West Point.
Mr.. Garrison recommends that in
justice to the hundreds of eager boys"
who cannot get appointments now,
West Point should be opened to the
widest competition so that any boy
may take the examinations with the
condition that if no candidate from the
particular congressional district in
which there is vacancy should quail
naEEP0 highest
from some other district where there
was no vacancy, should receive the ap-
pointment.
Philippine Slavery.
The secretary refers to the attempt
to stamp out slavery in the Philippines
IS inadequate 1t should be strength
ened and if adequate it should be en-
forced.
Of the turning over of the Philip
pine commission to native control he
says the steps which has now been
taken will be carefully observed. Those
best acquainted with conditions in the
islands anticipate no evil conse-
Quences."
Porto Rico Must Be Held
Secretary Garrison declares that the
demand for the independence Of Porto
Rico represents the idea Of but a few
people and it is idle to consider or
discuss any future for the people of
Porto Rico as separated from the
United States. He does, however, be-
Heve that citizenship should be granted
to Porto Ricans on Individual applica-
ton.
The secretary complains Of the heavy
reductions in appropriations for the
army. He says 1.-The effect of these
cuts, which were made with no refer
ence whatever to the military estab-
hshment, necessarily places me now in
the position Of either not asking for
what the army needs or Of seeming TO