Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-10
SEC'Y GARRISON URGES IMMEDIATE
RECRUITING OF UNITED STATES
ARMY TO FULL WAR STRENGTH

'militarism.' Every nation must have
adequate force to protect itself from
domestic Instruction, to enforce its
laws, and to repel invasions; that Is,
every nation that has similar char
acteristics to those of q self-respecting
man. If it prepares and maintains
more military force than is necessary
for the purposes just named, then it is
subject to the conviction, in the public
opinion of the world, of having en-
braced 'militarism,' unless it intends
aggression for cause which the pub
lie opinion of the world conceives to
be a righteous one. To the extent,
however, that it confines it's military
preparedness to the purposes first
mentioned, there is neither warrant
nor Justification in characterizing
such action as 'militarism.'
Equally useless. in my view, is the
discussion frequently INDUCED in as
to whether military preparation tends
or does not tend to avoid war.
term such discussion useless because,
so far as we are concerned, whatever
conclusion might be reached thereon
would not affect our duty. Since 1t is
not in mind to suggest any military
preparation of the Nations resources
beyond that absolutely essential under
existing conditions, the question Of
whether moro extensive preparation
for the purpose of avoiding war
would have that effect or not is futile.
Unless and until the Congress of the
United States, representing the people
of the country, places on record the
conclusion Of the people to the con-
trary. my duty is, I think, entirely
clear; and that duty is to set forth the
facts and the necessities growing out
of the facts, and suggestions as to the
ways and means of fulfilling such
necessities
What, then, does this Nation need
in the way Of military preparedness?
OF course, am not attempting to lay
down counsel of professionalism is
an extensive scheme which is ideal in
its completeness. Such a scheme
might we'll be considered and studied
and adopted after long study. But to
await the result of such a course
would be to continue the undesirable
situation in which We have So long
been. IN my view, it is much better
to do those things which lie nearest at
hand and can be done than to remain
as we are, without moving along pro-
per lines until a more comprehensive
and perfect scheme can be agreed
upon"
After enumerating the vast areas of
continental United States and those of
our other territorial responsibilities
which must be considered the report
says the total strength of the army
June 80, 1914, was 94,4S2. OF this num-
Der 30,S90 were available as a mobile
force in continental United States, the
rest being employed in the Philippines,
Hawaii or the Canal Zone or compris-
ing hospital, quartermasters, or other
auxiliary services. In the near future,
the report states, additional forces
will be sent to the Canal Zone and
elsewhere, reducing the mobile force
on the continent, exclusive of coast
artillery, to 24,600 men. Even with the
increased force there, Secretary Garri-
son declares. the Panama garrison will
he inadequate in his opinion.
A table Of the IS leading countries of
the world showing area, population,
peace strength of the army and the
total trained war strength is included
in the report. 1t discloses that with
an area and population surpassed only
by Great Britain and her colonies and
by Russia, the United States stands
tenth in the peace footing of her army
and 18th in trained reserves. Against
Russia's 100000 trained men, the
United States has $4,000, including
the Philippine Scouts; and Belgium,
with 100000 is the only nation below
that figure. Switzerland, next above,
has 275.000, Japan, 100000.
Whatever else may properly be
drawn from the facts as disclosed"
the report says, ut can not be disputed
that 1t Is imperative that we have in
this country very much larger per-
centage of men who have had proper
military training and who are in po-
sition to instantly respond to the call
Of the Nation
OF war material the report says:
I'VE have ON hand in reserve suffi-
cient small arms, small-arm ammuni-
ton and equipment, roughly figuring
for the 100000 men that would have
to be called into the field in any large
emergency. We have nothing like
sufficient artillery and artillery am
munition.
This has been urgently presented in all
Of the recent reports of the head of this
department and the chiefs of STAFF, and
Congress has from time to time recently
increased the appropriations for these
purposes. There is universal agreement
among all who know, that artillery is an
essential feature of modern warfare. and
that a proper proportion thereof to any
army is Indispensable If success is to be
even hoped for. 1t is imperative that the
manufacture of artillery and artillery
ammunition should progress as rapidly
as is possible until a proper reserve
thereof has been obtained.
In present-day = strategy and tao
tics the Aviation Corps has bid fair to
become the eyes of the army, and a gen.
eral commanding an army without an
adequate flying corps against an army of
equal strength in other respects but with
an adequate flying corps, would be in the
position of blind man contending
against a man with sight. The present
Congress made a good start toward put