The Washington times., 1915-12-12
Unless Heavy Influence Is En-
listed War Secretary May
Have to Retreat.
SUBSTITUTE BILLS POUR IN
Many Call for Greater Degree
Of Preparedness Than Ad-
mIniStration Program.

formation Of Continental Army" a
part Of the national defense program. is
in line for stiff opposition in Congress-.
It Is apparent today that unless the Ad-
ministration brings its heaviest guns OF
influence to bear. Mr.. Garrison will be
forced to retreat.
Bills pouring into the Senate and
House for national defense. with long
stream Of them to come. are indicative
Of the deep interest Congress-. aroused
by public sentiment. is taking in this
subject.
Many call for a greater degree of pre-
paredness than the Administration plan.
The efforts to get that plan enlarged
upon will be strongly backed. though
they may lose some force by the lack
Of unity of opinion.
Swiss System Considered.
An important question before Con-
Rress in this connection relates to the
Swiss system or something akin to it.
Much sentiment for this plan exists in
Congress. The feeling is much deeper
than generally realized that all at
tempts to work out voluntary sys-
TEN are makeshifts. and that an adapta-
ton of the Swiss system. in which all
to train, will ultimately result.
Members Of the House Committee on
Military Affairs-despite the fact that
Chairman Hay has introduced a general
army bill with the continental branch
included-are considering substitute
legislation. Liberal Federal appropria-
tions for the upbuilding of the State
militias may also be proposed as a sub
stitute.
tributes several million dollars annually
in equipment for the State militias, but
it is suggested that the militiamen ought
to be encouraged by pay from the Fed
eral Treasury.
influential members of the House say
confidentially that even II the Garrison
continental army" suggestion is acc
cepted by Congress the army itself will
ments will be few. Instead Of obtain
ing an army Of 100000 men, 1t was sug-
gested today by a House leader that a
continental service OF 10000 will be
more than is expected"
Hay Not Optimistic.
Chairman Hay agreed to support the
general defense program OF the Ad-
ministration in army matters, but he
has never been optimistic about the
Garrison program for a new branch OF
the service. 1t is understood that Mr..
Hay doubts the practicability of any
scheme requiring 100000 men to enlist
for three years and cgree to undergo
at least two months training q year at
business sacrifice.
In advance of the converting OF Con-
gross it was impossible to sound senti-
Innnt. but with the return of legisla-
tors to WaSs~Sngton the doubts OF Mr..
Hay are reflected generally among his
colleagues. Not only is there lack Of
support for tho Garrison project, but
there n feeling N
Rress approves the formation of the
continental army the legislation will
be ineffective because of the lack of
volunteers
Regardless Of party affiliations, menu
ber5 from the Middle West and the
South particularly are antagonistic to
the Garrison idea. A Democratic leader
of the House confidentially admitted
today that he knew Of less than a half
dozen enthusiastic advocates of the
plan.
Turning Toward Militia.
He said: The chances are decidedly
against any ouch legislation. and sub
stitute propositions are now under con-
sideratiOn. The general belief is that
it will be impossible to get 100000 men,
enlisted in quotas of $4,000 each year,
to forsake their occupations for a con-
siderable length of time each year ard
enlist for the drill period. Men who are
employed cannot spare the time at the
small pay proposed, and employers, de-
spite their expected patriotism, are not
likely to Aeep such volunteers on the
poyroll5 of factories, farms, and other
business establishments.
1.-THE outcome probably will be a lib
eral Federal appropriation to build Up
the State mlitias giving the milltiamen
compensation that will make it worth
their while to become a part of this
branch of the service and yet not re-
curing them to relinquish regular en-
Payments for specified lengths of
time"
a Republican leader conceded in thi'
view. saying that in Congress the Gar
rlson program is generally regarded a!
IAN excellent thing theoretically. but g
plan that cannot work out"
Opposition to COmpulsiOn.
Even the hint in the annual repor
OF the Secretary of War that some sor
Of compulsory military systcm-like tina
Switzerland employs for the militar!
training OF it's youths-has not brought
support to the continental army sug
Gestion A recognized leader on mill
tary subjects in Congress asserted tina
ut Is idle to talk of any compulsor.
military system IN the United States.
It is regarded as significant that tn
Administration army bill. prepared b!
Mr.. Hay, provides for the creation of
continental army. but does not ap
propriate money therefor. Appropria
tions are TO come when the army is ere
ated, and influential Congressmen be
lieve these appropriations will never b
asked for.
'Tt would be safe to authorize sue
an army" member of the House said
because it will never materialize an
no money will be needed for it,
In no quarter is there an enthusiastic
word heard for Mr.. Garrison's plan
Regardless of party affiliations. or thu
attitude OF respective members on tn
subject Of national defense, there ar
few champions OF Mr.. Garrisons pc
project, and the very men who are sup
posed to sponsor the legislation in Con
gress appear lukewarm in It's SUPPORT
although in sympathy with the Ad
ministration's wider policy for pre-
pgredness.
Chairman Chamberlain Of the Senate
Military Committee will soon introduce
q All for a modified form OF The Swiss