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.

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 a 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-
gress in this connection relates to the
Swiss system or something akin to 1t.
Much sentiment for this plan exists in
Congress. The feeling is much deeper
than generally realized that all at
tempts to work out a voluntary sys-
TEN are makeshfts. and that an adapta-
ton of the Swiss system. in which all
young men physically able are required
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.
The Federal Government now con-
tributes several million dollars annually
to xtvN,,,A Ay,f f-r ho tafA Ntaa httt
it is suggested that the miltiamen ought
to be encouraged by pay from the Fed
eral Treasury.
influential members Of the House say
continental army" suggestion is ac-
cepted by Congress the army itself will
never be formed because the enlist
ments will be few. Instead Of obtain
ing an army Of 100000 men, it 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 agree to undergo
at least two months training a year at
business sacrifice.
In advance of the convening Of Con-
gross it was impossible to sound senti-
ln"nt. but with the return OF legisla-
tors to WaS~~nSton the doubts OF Mr..
Hay are reflected generally among his
colleagues. Not only is there lack Of
support for the Garrison project, but
there is n general feeling that If Con-
gress approves the formation Of the
continental army the legislation will
bo ineffective E@cause of the lack Of
volunteers.
Regardless Of party, affiliations. mem-
hers from the Middle West and the
Sorth particularly are antagonistic to
of the House Confdentially admitted
today that he knew OF less than a half
dozen enthusiastic advocates of the
Nlan.
Turning Toward Militia.
He said: The chances are decidedly
against any ouch legislation. and sub
stitutc propositions are now under con-
.'drratiOn. The general belief is that
it will he impossible to get 10000 men.
enlisted in quotas of $4,000 each year,
to rorsake their occupations for 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-
spit" their. expected patriotism are not
ppyroll5 Of factories, farms, and other
business establishments.
he outcome probably will he a l;b-
eral Federal appropriation to build up
tn" State militias giving the mil!tiamcn
compensation that will make it worth
their while to become a part of this
branch Of the service and yet not re-
quirjng them to rclinuuish regular en-
Payments for specified lengths OF
time"
4 Republican leader coincided in this
view. saying that in Congress the Gar
rlsOn program is generally regarded as
IAN excellent thing theoretically. but a
plan that cannot work out"
Opposition to Compulsion.
Even the hint in the annual report
OF the Secretary of War that some sort
Of compulsory military systcm-like that
Switzerland employs for the military
training OF it's youths-has not brought
support to the continental army sug'
Gcstion. A recognized leader on mill
tary subjects in Congress asserted that
1T Is idle to talk of anv compulsory
military srstcm IN the United States.
It is regarded as significant that the
Administration army bill. prepared by
Mr.. Hay. provides for the creation of {
continental army. but does not ap
propriate money therefor. Appropra
tions are to come when the army is ere
ated, and influential congressman be
licve these appropriations will never bt
asked for.
1T would be safe to authorize sucl
an army" a 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 the
attitude of respective members on th'
subject of national defense. there are
few champions of Mr.. Garrison's pet
project. and the very men who are sup
posed to sponsor the legislation in Con,
Eress appear lukcwarm IN its SUPPORT
although in sympathy with the Ad,
ministrations wider iOliCy for pre-,
parcdnesS
Chairman Chamberlain Of the Senate
Military Committee will soon introduce
g hill for a modified form Of the Swiss