Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-09-06
Senator Lewis to Act as Spe-
ciaI Envoy to Holland, Ger
many, France, England.
TO CARRY INSTRUCTIONS
TO AMERICAN DIPLOMATS
State Department Says Messages Are
Not Of Imminent Importance,
But May Develop So.

senator Lewis OF Illinois, demo-
cratic whip Of tho Senate and a candi-
date for the democratic nomination for
Vice President, has been chosen as a
special envoy from the State Depart
ment on a mission Of verbal instruc-
tons to members Of tho United States
diplomatic service in Holland, Ger
many. France and England.
This mission came unexpectedly, as
the senator had no intimation an hour
before he was called into conference
with Secretary Lansing that he was
under consideration for such work.
Neither at the State Department nor
from Senator Lewis could any intima-
ton be obtained today regarding the
nature Of the mission. further than
tnat 1t was secret and that at present
It IS not Of imminent Importance, but
that 1t may develop into something
very important.
name of Senator Lewis to the countries
named above. and he carries letters ad-
dressed to the United States diplomats
In those countries. Unless there is
some change in plans he is to sail on
the Ryndam, Holland-American line,
September II. He says he will return
long before Congress is called into
session.
1t Is viewed as significant that in
stead OF discussing any purpose of this
regarding the national defense policy,
declaring for a sane" army, a com
petent navy and outlining plans for re-
organizing citizen soldiery.
Discusses Preparedness.
The senator expressed himself freelv
on tho preparedness issue. and set forth
his plan:
I am sure" he said, that no candi-
date will be presented by the demo-
Gratis against President Wilson for re-
nomination. and no republican candi-
date now proposed can hope to beat
him. II the election were now the re-
publicans would have no issue and no
party. The country Is with the Presi-
dent.
The cry that is sent Up here and
there of 'unpreparedness against war
as the issue against the administration
vii! be welcomed by the democracy. In
reply, we ask the nation why have the
republican administrations Of the last
sixteen years of power left the country
in the hopeless state they ever adyer
tise to the world? What do they offer
as defense for such neglect of their
country?
Now the country must not be thrown
- o'h ies udidHce III the Whoop and cry
for preparedness for war. There is a
middle American ground of sense-to
be taken between the extremes of
those who would endanger the nation
from without by no preparation-by
being insane-and others who would en-
danger the country from within by be-
ing insane. This nation cannot be con-
verified into a military camp with every
other man living on the back of the
producing man. The taxpayer and
producer cannot be saddled with an
unnecessary load of bonded debt and
increased taxes merely to convert the
republic Of America into a military
Would Change Army Organization.
AS to the ARMY speak as an officer
OF the state guard and one who served
IN the Spanish American war-increase
the army by Transforming its organiza-
tion anew. Let 1t be put on the basis of
the most modern system proved of
ability. Add sufficient corps to in
sure cooperative command for all citi-
zen soldiery. Then have a national mi
lttta in every state in the Union under
supervision of the national govern
ment. This will no more conflict with
the state militia than the state militia
now conflicts with the police force of
the cities.
Make it a penal offense for a man
to be discharged from his work be-
cause he obeyed the call of the United
States to prepare himself.
The main districts can be under
command Of the regular army officers,
rs certain of our military colleges now
are. Then provide for form of mill
tary education in the colleges and high
schools.
Congress will support the recon-
of the President Leader
Kern of the Senate and Mr.. Bryan will
be found UNFOLDING the Presidents pol
Icy, because it will be a democratic
a republican form of govern
ment"