The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-25
Announcement of Wilson's Determination for Change of Policy Attracts Wide spread Comment
NO PARTICULAR SITUATION IS SAID
 TO BE RESPONSIBLE
The COuntry's International Complications Behind the Movement, Is Opinion of Many Officials, However

Washington. July 24.--An-
 nounccment from the White House
 today that President Wilson had
 directed Secretaries Garrison and
 Daniels to report to him s pro-
 gramme of national defense caused
 widespread comment.
 Several weeks ago the President
 discussed the question with his
 cabinet with the result thnt both
 departments began preparation of
 plans to meet an emergency and
 also to establish Il permanent pol
 Icy for adequate national defense.
 The White House statement gave no reason for the announcement. stating merely that the President would con- fer on his return from Cornish, N. H., with Secretaries Daniels and Garrison ito formulate a sane, reasonable and practical programme of national de- fense.' It was indicated, however. in official quarters that the determination 10 expedite the plans being made re- suited from a consideration of the pos abilities of the international situa-
  ton.
 The President. in letters to secre- taries Garrison and Daniels early last week calling for the reports, made no reference to any particular situation. but emphasized the importance of the entire subject of national defense. He wishes to make the navy as efficient as any in the world to see the regular army adequately developed and equipped. and the citizenry trained to arms in a way consistent with Amer ican traditions.
 Conferences Held
 For several weeks Secretary Garri- son has been in conference with mem bers of the general staff shaping plans for presentation to the President The general board of the navy abandoned It's usual summer trip to Newport and Is preparing its recommendations for Secretary Daniels. The President wishes to have the information ready when he returns and the indications are that the influence of the admin istration will be exerted to secure ade- quate appropriations.
 Mir Wilson has not indicated whether he will call Congress into special ses- sion. This depends largely on develop ments in the international situation The dispatch to Germany of what s generally regarded as the strongest note yet written to any of the Euro pean belligerents. has accentuated tho possibility of a special session in event American rights again are violated by German submarine commanders.
 Among army and navy officers familiar with the latest developments. the belief prevails that a military budget practl- cally double that of last year will be pre- scented to Congress The army. 1t Is be- lieved, will seek at least s2Oo GOO and the navy perhaps as high as s25o coo
 Large Reserve Army
 War department plans look toward the development of large reserve army with q minimum it is said. of 500,00 men and with adequate provision for the use of the militia and men who have pre- viously served in the regular army. Weekly meetings are being held by tho board designated by Secretary Garrison to prepare plans for a general reorgani- zation of the army. Special attention is being given. 1t Is understood. to planning for an adequate supply of munitions.
 The navy department. 1t has been n- dicated, will ask for at least 30 and prob ably 50 submarines. The general boards recommenda tions are also expected to in- cude a number of battle cruisers. min- tionate number of scout cruisers and aux Hilary craft such as fuel ships and subma- rine tenders. The department is engaged in experiments with aeropanes and sub-
 (Continued on Pnge Teal