The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-07-25
Strong DEFENSE
IS Wilson's aim
President Enters Upon Pro-
gram of Increased Mill
tary Development.
CONFERENCE TO BE HELD
Executive Assures Secretaries of War
and Navy of Deep Interest
in Plans.

President Wilson is giving evidence
OF having been won over to the side OF
those who are contending for a sub
stantial strengthening OF the national
d.tenses. This statement was issued
at the White House yesterday:
THE President has been considering
every phase of the matter of national
defense, and intends Immediately on MS
return to Washington to confer with
IN. Secretary of War and the Secretary
Of the Navy, his purpose being to pro-
cure information on which he can for
nulate a sane, reasonable and practl-
cal program of national defense.
This statement was issued after the
President had written letters, TO, the
secretary of War and the secretary OIL
the Navy, assuring them of. his deep
;nt.rest in the plans which they are
undertaking for the Improvement OF
the national defenses and pointing out
the necessity of increasing the enici-
ency of the military arms OF the gov
ernment. 8,
Marked Change in Attitude.
The issuing of the White House
statement is the first tangible evidence
that has appeared that the campaign
started by Representative Gardner. OF
Massachusetts. and now country-Nloe
IN its scope has brought the PRESIDENT
to the point of entering upon pro-
gram of increased military develop
ment. The change in the President
a attitude has been very marked. AT the
last session of Congress he failed 10
1ift a hand or say a word in behaf OF
the program for the enlargement OIL
the United States army which Secfe-
tary Garrison proposed.
Many officials in Washington VINO
have been dubious are now preolctins
that the President will be oroueht "
sunport the radical reorganization
nIan which Secretary Garrison, with
rhe members of the general STAN mas
been working out for the land FORCES.
Secretary Garrison has not yet de-
cided definitely upon his plans, OUT IL
was learned today that at present thes
contemplate making available a Hrs'
line defense of 100000 or soo'VVo Iiien
The present land forces of the Inteo
states. including militia, total only
about 1000. II is the understanolhs
here that Secretary Garrisons 1or
coming recommendations Will De the
most complete of their character ina
have ever been made by a secretary
of War.
In general. the plan under consioe
a,ion contemplates the doubling OF inc
r,nbi,e army, the flling up of the
coas, artillery and the creation OF
reserve I
while Secretary Garrison is busy
with his advisers Secretary bahiels
and the general board OF the navy
also have been making their plans loi
increased development.
should spend Half Billion.
One official who is in close touch
with the military situation SAID este
dav that the United States next year
ought to spend half billion ooilaIs
20 put the army and navy on -
ing that would Adequately prepo
country for defense.
president Wilson's action in calling lot
renor,s from the Secretary of war aho
the Secretary OF the Navy on nationai
nrenaredness was commended oy the
NAVY League last night in a statement
ISSUED by Ralph Beaver Strassourger'
the director in charge OF the league "otN
in Washington. He said IN part:
The NAVY League wishes to COM
mend most warmly President Wilson
determination to do all that in MS power
lies to place this country in such stare
of defense that it shall b" able to ru!thi
its mission of humanity and ciVlnzalion
in a world plunged in war AND Daroarisih
without fear or favor ana We are tnost
pleased at this realization of the fact
that preparedness and national defense
are the most urgent and pressing needs
of the state. We wish to thank the
President for his high and honorable
interpretation of the principles which ami
mate the American nation and TO caH
upon evry right-minded American citi-
zen to so support him that personal and
factional differences may be forgotten
and that our nation may present a united
front to foreign aggression from what
ever source"