New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-08
Lodge and Chamberlain
Call for National De-
fence Bodies.
LEWIS WOULD DELVE
INTO EXPENDITURES
Presidents Programme
OverShadOWed - May
Mean Extra Session.
| LFrom The Tribune Burean.l

tFrom The Tribune Bureau.l
Washington, Dec. demands for
an investigation Of national defences
and expenditures for the army and
navy and the appointment OF national
council to supervise the task committed
to both military branches of the gov
ernment were forthcoming when the
Senate met to-day Cor the opening of
Congress.
In the House Representative Ware, OF
Pennsylvania, introduced two resolu-
tions for a bigger army and navy
through the purchase of siege guns,
submarines and other instruments of
warfare which have proved their value
in the European conflict
Senator Lodge introduced a resolu-
ton similar to that introduced by Rep
resentative Gardner in the House call
ing for the creation of a commission
to be known as the National Security
Commission, Ito make full investiga-
ton into the question of the prepared
ness of the United States for war, de-
fensive or offensive"
Senator Chamberlain, chairman of
the Committee on Military Affairs, in
troduced a bill for the creation Of a
council of national defence to which he
would commit the task of making a
full investigation of the question of
the preparedness of the United States
for war" and of preparing a report to
be submitted to the President Of the
United States for submission to Con-
gress.
Strong Sentiment in Senate.
Senator Lewis presented a resolution
calling for an investigation of the ex-
penditure of regular appropriations for
the army and navy since 1895 and of
deficiency appropriations of more than
100000 made since that time.
The deliberations of the Senate on
the first day of the session made it
clear that this legislative branch of the
government, at least, is much concerned
over the preparedness of the country
for war and the condition Of the mill
tary service as partly disclosed by The
Tribune. The demands for information
were made by Democrats as well as Re-
publicans, and the prediction was made
to-day that the administration will be
to face the issue in one way
or another. The question of national
defence appeared to be uppermost in
the minds of the legislators.
Senator Lodge gave notice that he
would discuss his resolution when it
was called up during the week. Sens-
tor Weeks also gave notice that he
would deliver a speech in the Senate
later in the week on preparedness of
the army AMI demand the creation of
an adequate reserve, which could be
called out in time of war. There was
Oh the part of the legis-
lators to approach the problem from
many sides, and it is almost certain
that there will be long discussion Of
a subject which has assumed the pro-
portions of a national demand, ire
spective of politics.
The National Security Commission
proposed by Senator Lodge calls for
the appointment of three Senators,
three members Of the House of Repre-
sentatiyes and three persons selected
by the President of the United States,
70 make an investigation and report to
Congress. Provision is made for the
expenses of the commission for neces-
sary travel in the United States or
abroad and for all other purposes.
National Council of Defence.
Senator Chamberlain's bill provides
for a permapent institution with more
functions. He proposes
the creation of a national council of
defence, to consist of the Secretary of
State, as president; the Secretaries of
War and the Navy, the chairmen of
on Military Affairs, Naval
Affairs and Foreign Relations of the
two houses of Congress, the chief Of
staff of the army, an officer of the
navy not below the rank OF captain,
and the president of the Army and
Navy War colleges.
.Such council" the bill recites, SHALL
make a full investigation Of the pre-
paredness Of the United States for
war. and shall prepare and report to
The President of the United States for
20 Congress a genera. pol |
lev of national defence, and thereafter
,hall make such recommendations re-
Iating thereto as it shall deem neces-
sary."
The bill provides that the council !
,hall meet at least once a year, or at
me call OF { @ president Of the counc.,.
In time of /. il is TO meet only a. I. Q