New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-09
.LAUD DEFENCES
AS INSURANCE.
Security League Formed
to Arouse Strength of
United States.
SEEK TO REMEDY
FLAWS IN SYSTEM
Plan to Probe Military and
Naval Affairs-No Politics
in Actions.

Specifically denying any intention Of
playing politics, backing the efforts Of
any person to force an investigation Of
the military condition Of the country
or Of urging preparedness against any
one nation, the National Security
League was organized by one hundred
prominent citizens of this city at the
| Hotel Belmont yesterday afternoon.
The league, which will be national in
scope, starts with these declarations
OF purposes:
To secure through an efficient in
vestigation authoritative and compre-
hensive information in regard TO the
condition of our national defences,
naval and military.
To find out how considerable an ad
dition to the present annual sppropria-
tions would be required to attain the
large measure of efficiency, i. e., "in-
surance" that may prove TO be essen
tial.
To bring about such organization OF
citizens throughout the country as may
make practicable an intelligent express
sion of public opinion and may insure
for the nation an adequate system of
national defence.
Stanwood s. Menken, chairman Of
the committee formed to organize the
league, called the meeting TO order.
The purpose was not, he said, OF or
ganizing against any one country, and
1t was not intended to further any po-
litical propaganda or the plans Of any
one person who may be seeking an in
vestigation into the condition OF the
nations defences. 1t is, he said, in
tended to find out the weaknesses in
the existing system, and by arousing
national opinion, apply the necessary
correction.
Committee Declares Aim.
On motion Of George Haven Putnam,
a committee consisting of Mr. Putnam,
Frederic r. Coudert and Courtlandt
Nicoll, was appointed to draw up
declaration of principles. The commit
tee reported as quoted above, the
recommendation being accepted subject
TO amendment by the executive COM
mittee.
There was some question as to what
form the investigation should take.
Chairman Menken said an early re-
mort was necessary II any action was
70 be had at this term Of Congress.
Colonel William C. Church, editor OF
"The Army and Navy Journal" said
the necessary information was readily
available; in fact, he had it with him
in the form of the recommendations OF
tho general board Of the navy and the
general staff of the army.
In the debate that followed the state
ment was made that army and navy re-
norts are edited to please the wishes
of heads of departments.
"We have recently heard" said
Clarence J. Shearn, "that certain
official refused to print report unless
IL was altered to conform with his
ideas"
Colonel Church defended the official
reports, ana said the President was re-
sponsible for them and would not in
tentionally lie.
John f. o'Rourke agreed with /
Colonel Church that the object OF the |
League was not so much investigation
AS TO arrange an adequate scheme OF
national defence.
az we are for security" said he, I'VE /
should look into that and that alone"
More Soldiers Needed.
mo soldier wants a big standing
nrmy.v Colonel Church resumed. "All /
do want an effective force. Our con,
tinental forces to-day could be placed
in the Yale bowl, and one-third Of the
room would be left for the populaee to
occupy and admire the soldiers. What
We should do 10 to urge Congress TO