New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-20
West Called Battlefield
of Preparedness Fight
General Scott Wins Praise from Military Training
Advocates-Pachss Bitter-"Ought To Be Shot,
Saws "Prussianism, Declares Pinchot

Leaders on both sides of the ques-
ton Of universal military training ex-
,-,sscd their opinions yesterday with
degree OF promptncss and conviction
thar indicates deep interest in Major
General Hugh l. SCOTS statements be-
tore The senate Sub Committee on
Military Affairs. II New York is al all
.eprcscntatiyc Of the nation. the winter
viii SEQ hard lighting between the pre-
ssredncss and pacifst groups.
The BIG battle-ground Will be the
West according 10 Henry A. Wise
Wood. OF the National Security League,
and the Rev. John Hayes Holmes. OF
The American Union Against Militar-
isn Congress viii be ignored, the
s.ht FOR and against universal training
ru be taken directly 20 the people,
particularly 20 the people in that sec
ZION Of the country which was politi-
cally unknown before the recent cleo
ion.
Neither side expects that Congress
viii take any definite action on the
Chamberlain bill. or any measure pro-
rding universal training during the
present session. The first step for the
legislators. according 10 preparedness
mon. Is 20 abolish the Hay law.
General SCOTS statements were
praised and condemned vigorously yes
'erdsy Henry A. Wise Wood, s. Stan.
vood Menken and George Haven Put
nam agreed thoroughly with the rec
concentrations Of the chief Of staff. and
hailed the interest shown in the subjec
as evidence that the country was wax
nc up"
Amos Pinchot. pacifst, characterized
General Scots action as plunge into
European militarism. The Rev. John
Haynes Holmes, pastor OF the Church
% the Messiah. declared that General
Scott should be "court m8rtialled and
shot" for his references 10 a future war
between this country and England.
Wood Indorses Scott
81 agree heartily with General SCOTS
statements said Mr.. Wood. land as
soon as the facts are set fully before
the people they viii agree. We OF
the defence movement are going right
10 the people Whether we can educate
the West during this session Of Con-
eress don't know. But am sure we
viii have universal training in the
next session. ] am surprised AZ the
lspdity with which the demand for 1t
Is coming
George Haven Putnam. Civil War
veteran and president Of the American
Rights League. hailed General Scott's
demands as evidence that the country
Is awakening 20 its needs. He be-
Loved. however, that universal train
M WILL not come quickly.
1T isn't a matter that will come
next week" he declared. THE HAY
bin should be repealed at once, and We
should return 10 GsrrisOn's proposals.
Gradually We can educate the country
TO the value Of universal training. i IS
The only equitable and democratic
method, and its adoption would be a
great gain 70 the community"
VIZ. Putnam said that he would be
1 the csmps gn for universal training
and would have something TO say when
he attended the National Security
league meeting az Washington IN
January. Mr.. Mcnken said that the
subject would be gone into thoroughly
a. that time.
General Scots statements are SIM
ply frank expression Of the necessi-
ties OF the case" Mr.. Menken said, re-
ierrng TO the request for force OF
1000 900 men, we have been trying
70 waken the people for years but we
aaye been cautious in the use OF fig
Tres for fear Of being called ca
tremists"
PruSsisnism, Says Pinchot
Amos Pinchot declared that General
SCOTS action was complete, competi-
tive and uncompromsingly Prussian."
he bad no doubt, he said, that the
chief OF STAFF was sincere, but he was
simply thinking as soldiers have always
thought, that America TO be safe must
be armed as England and Germany
nave been armed. lie said in d signed
statement:
General Hugh L. Scott, chief of
..af. has finally taken the big plunge
"to European militarism complete,
competitive and uncompromi singly
russian. IN bis statement Monday
before the Committee on Military
A1airs he demands an army Of 3,O0O,-
'yJ men; and he demands il 10 protect
me United States against England.
nus. for the FIRST time, the army com
flmeuts the public by allowing IL 10
zee me rca. purpose OF the military
.g'tStion b. C.. that Of organizing
america as a great military state.
have no doubt General Scott is
Alcere. ! think be believes. with his
mole highly trained military mind,
rag in arming America, even as Eng
and and Germany have hecn armed. he