Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-03
SrIJRTY LEAGUES
NEW CHAIRMAN TELLS
WHAT IT WILL DO HERE
rolonel Wiedersheim, Who
Succeeds John Wana-
maker, Reveals Plans to.
Get Larger Standing
A r m Y Authorization

A r m y Authorization
,sorts Of philadelphia Congressmen to
l1s sdeouate increases In the standing
ooa The National Guard and the navy
el't ~, next session Of Congress. will be
at ~ ui,s..anted in Philadelphia and the
supp,,... ~, the National Security League,
1lcinsii to the statement of Colonel
eceotplns "a Wiedersheim. chairman of
Vpy,oo'uodsinhia Branch OF the league
tne retired officer of the LIST Pennsyl-
yania Volunteers
,,nuaaslphiss active participation in
asbt for preparedness has already
% tne sorecast by Congressman j. Hamp-
~, Moore Peter ID. Costello ana others'
% t%Vh determination to. campaign Vigor-
Ihe ~ an effective army was strength
ousy ~ y. realization of the inadequate
ss sps Philadelphia would have to rely
rpoD In case OF attack'
c,,vressman Moore and New Jersey
ralo,vare associates went over the
.d from Philadelphia to the lower
ss,sn,are BAY, last Friday and found
~ thsre we're less than 200 men, man
slne antiquated forts, between Philadei-
nhia and an enemy navy
congressman Moore then pointed out
,hst an absurd inconsistency existed In
~ nlacing of $4,000 men In the Hawaiian
tn,spds to protect industry there and the
llssns,,arding of Philadelphia and Cam
~ S,itb less than 30O He would devote
.,trorous efforts toward awakening apa-
,tetIo congressman to the necessity for
'.ror,nt action to prepare the country for
pneompromislng defense, he said
DETAILS OF PLAN.
Ds,sns Of the plans of the National
s..,,ritv League. explained in this city
for the first time, were given by colonel
Esiedersheim. chairman of the league,
80 he learned of the findings OF the
I~istiEation of Philadelphia's defenses.
Dur work will be directed along two
3es" said Colonel Wiedersheim. we
mean to urge an increase in the stand
Inc army until 1t is on q footing adequate
- r,eet eventualities, and 1t is our in
tention to strive for greater Natlohal
Guard"
THE plans of the Security League for the
success of these projects are highly prac-
teal. Besides publicity campaigns tne
league will throw its influences behind
the campaign for preparedness. In Phila-
delphia the league represents prominent
business men and manufacturers. one
OF the greatest forces that could be con-
centrated in the city Is the potenuality
Of the Security League.
ators and to the leaders in the army and
navy" Colonel Wiedershelm continued,
dand to them make representations along
the line for which the league was formed.
There are already branches in Chicago
San Francisco, Boston, New York, Wash
ington and Baltimore. BY the time the
country is thoroughly organized there VIII
be groups Of influential men In every good
sized community who will be putting up to
L.. fha mo-
cessity for action toward preparedness.
These groups will form a mighty force
behind the campaign to protect this coun-
try adequately"
N. C. P. TO COOPERATE.
The national guard win also come within
the scope OF the leagues activity.
1--WE have an exceptionally efficient
National Guard in this State,' Colonel
Wiedershelm said, but we will not cease
until 1t is better. State Representatives
and Senators will hear from the league
members throughout the State and from
nonmembers who have been awakened TO
the necessity for preparedness by the
league and by their own view of condi-
tons. There will be inducements for SER
wee in the National Guard. II our tenta-
tive plans are followed. We might pay
the men for attendance at drill and in
crease the remuneration at summer
camps.
"The league has only the best interests
OF the country and the public at heart.
Colonel Wiedersheim concluded "and If
the public, unorganized, cannot bring
about adequate preparedness, then some
concentrated force must be called into
action if the United States is to continue
its reputation as a world power and our
people are to live in peace and security"
The problems of national preparedness
and the improvement of the coast de-
fenses We're discussed today at a meet
Ing Of the Executive Committee of the
board of directors of the Philadelphia
Chamber of Commerce.
Taking the initiative in the discussion
Of this great question, the 'ocal body has
called upon the Chamber of Commerce OF
the United States TO submit to commerce
bodies in all sections of the country a
note urging the necessity for improving
the national defenses of the United
States and for taking some decisive stand
on the matter.
It is generally understood that the
question Of national preparednesses will
be one OF the most serious problems
under consideration by the next Congress.
and for this reason the Chamber of Com
merce is planning TO be in position to
register the sentiments OF the business
leaders OF the nation on the issue.
To bring the matter to an early eul-
mination IL has been suggested that all
possible pressure be brought to bear
upon Representatives and Senators so
that the necessary appropriation may be
made early during the next session of
Congress. Quick action by the Govern
ment is declared to be imperative.
Having taken the initiative in the mat
ter the Philadelphia Chamber OF Com
inerce at the meeting today continued
% develop plans for the further extension
q the campaign for national prepared
ness.