American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1915-08-26
WOULD PREPARE NATION
FOR EVENTUALITIES
President Wilson to Ask Congress For
Council of National Defense.

AS first step towards solving the
big problem of preparedness, the pres
ident will recommend to congress
when it convenes the creation of a
council of national defense. Though
the personnel of the council has not
been determined upon the president
will be it's head, the secretaries of
state, war and navy will be members,
as will the chairmen of the senate and
house committees on military and
naval affairs and it is likely, also, that
the chairmen of the appropriations
committees may be added.
That such a council will be author
ized by congress once it is recon-
mended by the president is practical
ly assured. The Democrats are
pledged to it by the Baltimore con-
vention and the Republicans. while
not committed, are expected generally
to support the proposition.
1--WE approve" said the Democratic
platform adopted at Baltimore, "the
measure reported by the Democratic
leaders in the house of representatives
for the creation of a council of ma
tional defense, which will determine
a definite naval program with view
to increased efficiency and economy
The plan now under consideration
by the president looks to a council
having jurisdiction both over the ar
my and the navy. The bill referred
to in the Baltimore platform was re-
ported to the house In 1912, but never
acted upon. 1t has never since beer
brought to vote.
What Must Be Done.
1t is fully realized by the president
and by his military advisors that the
mere increase in the number of war
ships and the addition of severa
thousand men to the army will no
meet the situation; but rather, tina
with these increases must go provision
for better armament more equipment
improved methods of handling sup
plies; more auxiliary ships for th
navy and decidedly better means o
providing training and retaining
formidable army as well as navy re
serve And more than this the ad
ministration must be prepared to jus
tify the large appropriations which
proposes to ask of congress.
There is little or no doubt but wha
the administration can put throug
congress wise and fully mature
plan looking to placing the Unite
States in a condition of preparedness
but this can only be accomplishe
after a flight, for the little navy" me
are numerous and talkative and wi
oiier their utmost resistance to what
ever progressive program the admin
is ration puts forward. This oppos
Ton, however, Will be overcome whe
IT, debate ends and congress get
down to voting, for the prepondel
ice of sentiment will support
strong military program
Gathering Data
Under instructions from the pres
dent the secretary of war and tt
secretary of the navy have been
consultation with the ranking Officer
q heir respective departments gait
ering data on the present strengt
and condition of the army and Il
navy. The general staff Of the arm
and the general board of the nav
have been at work for months Gu
lining what. to their minds, is Il
most needful legislation affecting the
respective branches OF the service.
September. when this data has te'
whipped into shape and approved
studied by Secretary Garrison al
Secretary Daniels, 1t viii be laid
fore the president and he in turn W
confer with Senators Chamberla
and Tillman and Representatives HI
and padooAf chnfrunau of The mi