New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-23
BAY STATECALLS
FOR U. S. DEFENCE
Citizens Urge Congress to
Inquire Into Present
Conditions.
fBy Telegraph to tn. Tribunel

Boston. Oct. 22.-Several thousand
persons packed fremont Temple to-
night. and after hearing distinguished
speakers present the serious aspects Of
the problem. enthusiastically and uuan-
imously adopted resolutions favoring
an inquiry into the national defence
and the enactment OF legislation 70 en-
able the United States to resist inya-
sion.
The meeting was held under the di-
rection of q prominent committee Of
one hundred. including leading educa
tors, bankers. lawyers and business
men, representing the Massachusetts
branch Of the National Security
League. Governor David |. Walsh pre-
sided. The resolutions adopted on mo-
ton of Mayor Curley were as follows:
Whereas. We believe that the CUES
ton of national defence is the most
vital issue before the people Of the
United States, rev, therefore, be 1t
Resolved. That we. citizens OF Mas
sachusetts. in mass meeting assembled.
do urge upon our public officials and
Representatives in Congress the ne
cessity of an immediate and thorough
examination into the condition OF the
armed forces of this country.
And we further urge upon such Of
ficials and Representatives the enact
ment of such legislation as may be re-
ouired 10 enable the United States TO
successfully resist armed invasion"
Governor Walsh made the following
recommendations:
"Take the question Of national de-
fence absolutely out Of politics.
I'VE should prepare permanent
council for national defence, consisting
Of the President Of the United States,
the Secretaries of War and Navy, the
chiefs Of staff of our army and navy,
the presidents Of the War College and
the Navy College and other heads OF
our military and naval forces and the
chairmen Of the Ways and Means,
Military and Naval committees Of Con-
gress.
Maintain navy Of sufficient
strength, in conjunction with our land
forces, which will repel any attack by
water.
Equip our coast defences with the
latest guns and ammunition and suffi-
Gent men to handle the guns.
Make efficient the organized militia
Of the several states.
Increase the auxiliary branches Of
the army, namely, the field artillery,
the engineering corps and the signal
troops.
Double the size Of our Military
Academy NJ West Point, or build a
similar school, using the increased
number of officers 70 instruct our or
gained militia and citizens generally"
United States Senator Weeks said, in
part: ut is not necessary TO be hys-
terical on this subject of mill
tary preparedness, 70 recognize the
fact that we are not in condition
TO do the things which we may be
called upon TO do. The condition Of
things in the world have changed. We
have been going on for a term OF years
spending very considerable amount
Of money developing n navy and main.
tanning an army. OF the army of $4,000
men scarcely 10000 are on continental
American soil not many more than n
mere police force and we could not
bring home the balance if we became
involved in war. but would have 10
send others 10 their relief
I'VE have a good navy. but il is not
up TO the standard which would be
required under modern conditions.
There are those In the past who have
feared that we might get into q condi-
ton Of militsrism. The Governor has
very wisely and properly answered that
argument b. saying that n Us mpossi-
BILE in a country where all people are
soualo