The Little River news., 1916-04-22
FOR ARMY OF
 ONE MILLION
Regular Fcrce Increased to 25O,OOO Mep by New Measure; Reserve
 Plan Is Saved.

Washington, April 19.-An army re- organization bill that would produce regular and reserve military forces In the United States aggregating 1,o0O,- 000 men was passed by the Senate last nirht without record vote. It is a substitute for the house army Differences will be worked out in conference. On the eve e. joint session of the house of Congress to hear the presi- dent on the submarine crisis, the Sem ate hastened completion of the bill, amid scenes of excitement. All amen dments to reduce the proposed strength of the army were rejected.
 Add 1l0,G00 10 House Plan.
 In the closing hours of debate the Senate made provisions for a regular standing army, with g peace strength of 250 000 men, as compared with 140,- 900 in the Hay bill, which passed the house. retained the plan for 8, federal volunteer reserve force. calculated to aggregate 261, ,00C men, and federaliz- ed the National Guard at an estimated strength of 280.000 men.
 An amendment was passed to create 8 school and college youths reserve corps in time of war CT threatened war, which would recruit a force of young men trained by officers of the regular army, the strength of which is estimated at from 200,000 to 100000.
 Reduction Proposal Fails.
 "We are creating here tonight a peace army of 1000 900 men, said Senator Meyers in supporting the amendment of Senator Reed to make the regular army 100000. The Senate hed agreed previously by vote of 43 to 37 to aH amendment by Senalar Rrandesan, increasing it from lS00t to 250,G0G. The reduction propos Il .ras r. ::ec:eG, 42 to 31, after brie: speech by Senator Williams, in wh1 j, he referred tc the solemnity of the .,c- casion which would confront Congress tomorrow.
 Are We. or are we not threatened With war; asked Senator Williams. "Are we or are we not threatened with war from Mexico? Are we or arc we not threatened with war over the submarine controversy? Have we net been called to assemble in joint session tomorrow, the solemn purpose of which we do not ourselves definit- ely understand?
 Says War Threatened Now.
 "If the army cannot exceed a cer- threatened war, we now are in a state of threatened war if the president ot the United States thinks so. Fer my self I think we are pretty seri sly threatened with international difficult ties both from the east and south.
 The apparent grave development of the few hours proceeding the bill all so served to save the volunteer army proposition. Champions of the Nat ional Guard fought it bitterly in the committee of the whole, and it was retained by vote of 34 to 3z. To- night Senator Lewis again moved to strike out the section. It was saved by vote of 40 to 37.
 Add Many Provisions.
 Other important provisions of the Senate bill not in the house measure include the following:
 Appropriation of $15,OO0,OOO for con- struction of government plants fc: production of nitrates to be used in manufacturing ammunition.
 Provision for vocational education O. enlisted men of the regular army. either in agriculture cr the mechani- ca. arts.
 Creation of National Guard sec tion il the General Staff of the Army aud recurring all officers and enlisted men uf the National Guard to sub- scribe to an oath to support the Unit ed States as well as the respective states.
 Pro. isicn for federal pay cf all Ma tional Guard officers above the rank of captain.
 It is expected that the house will at cnce ask for conference to perfect the final form of new army measure. Cnc feature of the Senate bill, that even its most ardent champions fear may be sacrificed in the legislative compromise, is the volunteer reserve force. but in that event they COT Hdent- ly expect that the school reserve will he retained as a substitute.