The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
ADMINISTRATION ID
 PUSH MEASURE FOR
 NATIONAL DEFENSE
Wilson Will Bring Power full Influences to Bear in Behalf of Defense
 Programme

1 Washington, October Rehabilitation oi
 the full strength of administration forces
 in support of the national defense pro- gramne apparently was assured today
 when Representative Hay of Virginia chairman of the House military affairs committed, after a conference with Presi- dent Wilson announced himself in favor of the army increase plans.
 Senator Chamberlain, chairman of the Senate military committee, already has l approved the proposal to build up reg | ular and continental army of more than a million men in six years. Formal pub lication of the plans in detail will follow Senator Chamberlain's conference with the President next week. The navy $500, 600 five-year building programme already has been approved by both House and Senate leaders.
 The importance attached to Represents tive Hays announcement was indicated by the fact that soon after it was made Secretary Garrison broke the silence he had maintained as to army plans ever since he received President Wilson's let ter directing him to have prepared a comprehensive review of the nations mill strengthening the national defense. MT. Garrison issued this statement:
 'I am of course delighted. This will insure the best possible results. With the aid of MT. Hays experience and skill in formulating the measures and his powerful advocacy in support thereof success in the House is assured. l un- sta nd a ba har In, f,ft Senate military committee takes pre- cisely similar attitud" so that there will be hearty cooperation and united effort all along the line. This situation should hearten and enthuse all those who are interested in seeing this vital subject properly considered and properly settled D
 Representative Hay said he believed the necessary army bills to provide for the proposed increase of the regular establishment the organization of the continental army and the increase of present coast defenses and building up of an adequate reserve of cannon, small arms and ammunition. would pass the house without serious opposition. To him will be intrusted the task of drawing up measures which are to shape new military policy for the country. The programme mapped out by Secretary Garrison and his advisers will be the basis of the bills. but the detail of the laws to be enacted must be prepared by the administrations s legislative representatives.
 Senator Chamberlain and Represen- tative Hay were not in harmony with Secretary Garrison's proposals for the army last year which contemplated some increases in the coast artillery corps. but no general programme. Sen ator Chamberlain advocated a general reorganization bill, while the Secre- tary's proposals. although in line with previous recommendations of the gen eral staff. were in the nature of piece meal legislation.
 Later this week there will be another important conference between Pres ident Wilson and Representative Kitchin of North Carolina, democratic leader of the House.
 As chairman of the ways and means committed. Representative Kitchin will have much to say about the means of raising additional revenue for the gov ernment, and he and the President will have comprehensive discussion of the entire situation.
 Mir Kitchin has been reported as op- posed to any material Increase in the army and navy.