New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-28
U.S.. UNPREPARED
IS THE DECISION
OF GOVERNORS
Will Urge Representatives
TO Support Stronger De-
fence Programme.
HAVE TOOLS READY,
REDFIELD SAYS
Increase Army by $4,000 Men
with Trained ReServiStS.
Fielder Advises.

Boston, Aug. 27.-After discussion of
the naval and military resources Of the
country. in which it was generally
agreed that the United States was not
adequately prepared against foreign in
,ssion. the conference of Governors
ended its annual sessions to-day. No
,.solutions on the subject were pro-
,osed. but several of the executives
,sid they felt certain that all the Gov
srnors would return TO their states
xitb the intention of demanding from
tbeir Representatives in Congress sup
mort Of any programme for strengthen
ing the forces of defence.
The Governors chose Salt Lake City
As the place for next years meeting
and elected the Governor Of Utah,
William Spry. as chairman Of the ex-
eeutive committee. Other committee
members elected we're Governor Henry
Stuart Of Virginia and Governor Ar
thur Capper of Kansas. Ex-Governor
lain F. Fort of New Jersey was re-
elected treasurer, and Miles c. Riley,
Of Madison, Wis, was reelected secre-
tary.
The conference programme, which
had included a review Of the Atlantic
feet and a parade of 1000 members of
the Massachusetts, militia, had aroused
great interest in to-day's discussion.
As a result the sessions were removed
from the Senate Chamber to the more
spacious hall Of the house of Repre-
sentGtives.
Message from Wilson.
President Wilson in reply to the
telegram sent MIN on Tuesday, sent
the following message addressed TO
Governor Walsh:
81 deeply appreciate and am greatly
beartened by the generous resolution
Of confidence and support passed by
the Governors in conference, and beg
that YOU will convey TO them my heart
fl, thanks and my cordial best wishes
Cor a successful and profitable confer
erce. l wish that | could bring the
greeting in person"
The discussion by the Governors was
prefsced by remarks from Secretary OF
Commerce William c. Redfeld. He
urged restraint Of speech and sober
ness Of thought in what he termed try
mo times. with that spirit of re-
s,raiut." he added. should we not be
ready for any emergency OF any kind
that may arise? Should we not at
least have the tools ready, not for Of
fence but for our defence OF our ma
ton >"
Governor James f. Fielder of New
Jersey. in opening the discussion,
urged an increase IN the standing army
nv at least $4,000 men. with an ade-
ouate line of trained reservists. He
said he felt the states should be ready
at all times 10 furnish 100000 men TO
this reserve body.
Wants Student Soldiers.
Governor T. F. Dunno of Illinois said
he felt the nations main reliance Tor
a reserve force might well be found IN
requirement that every college ana
university receiving funds, Federal or
state. should give four years of mill
tary training 10 its students.
Governor W. s. Hammond of Mime
sofa said he was not so pessimistic as
some on the subject Of unpreparedness,
holding a suspicion that if need arose
we would find these battleships of ours
giving q very good account OF them
selves" It was his opinion that the
nation must depend largely upon the
patriotism Of its people for defence,
that the men would not stand for COM
pulsory military service"
Governor Park Trammell OF Florida
said: ar the European war lasts two
years more, as seems likely, there will