Evening journal., 1916-02-28
GARRIsoN ANp HIs DESIGNATION.


THE genesis Of Secretary Garrson's resignation is
readily traceable It had its roots in the intel
ectual honesty and candor of Mr.. Garrisons nature
which first found itself at variance with his chief in
relation to the Mexican policy where the puerile and
pihng Bryan methods permitted to rule situa-
tion which Mr.. Garrison felt should be dealt with
firmly and in man fashion But the real point of ger
mination rested in the Presidents message to Con-
gress year ago when he auded "a citizenry trained
in arms" the best Of defense for America
Mr.. Garrison embraced this doctrine funda-
mentally and he much gratihed last Spring when
the War Department was instructed to draw pro-
for increasing the national defense along lines
which military experts could approve. This
produced but it received executive approval
and later the War Department ordered to draft
a policy which should be based upon the Wilsonian
dctum Of an armed c.tizenry The Continental Army
scheme the result
There is nothing TO indicate that Mr.. Garrison was
enamored of the plan, but he given TO understand
that the President favored and that the endorsement
and support Of the White House would follow. Accord
ingy he the full force OF his active and vigorous
mind to the development and advocacy of the Cont-
mental Army, thinking It to be just what Wilson wanted
and deeming II the part of loyalty to his superior to
throw the entire weight of his influence in its behalf
even il he had undertaken the task with some mis-
givngs.
This plan received Mr.. Wilson's full approval in the
face-about message which he delivered to Congress
this year Mr. Garrison went boldly before the COM
mittees of Congress advocate the scheme which he
believed to be dear to the Presidents hart He loyalty
took responsibility for the plan upon himself and he
made an exceedingly forceful presentation OF case
which he had been led to think the Presidents
own.
Il soon became apparent that the Continental Army
had few friends Congress and the Presidents can
didacy for a second term brought about remarkable
change OF front at the White House The Presidents
famous "open mind" began TO manifest itself and Mr.
Garrison Immediately noticed an ominous slackening
OF enthusiasm for the Continental Army on the part
Of its own father. The Secretary. however remained
true He continued to advocate the measure which
Wilson had thrust upon him-and he continued his
advocacy Of it 10 the point where it became necessary
to know whether he to find himself entirely
bereft Of the Presidents confidence and support and
to confront instead President who was openly deal
ing with the opponents of the plan.
An exchange of opinions developed what Mr. Garri-
son has described as hopeless differences and like
an honorable man. Mr. Garrison withdrew from the
Cabinet
His action has brought CONSERVATION not alone in
the ranks OF the Democracy but in the ranks OF those
who honestly want effective policy OF national de-
fense This does not that the Continental Army
is a necessary part Of such policy-but 1t does mean
| that such a policy be developed only by men OF
honest and patriotic motives-Garrison is such man.
Wilson is not TWO such ihen cannot long remain in
close association Garrsons withdrawal was inevita-
BILE sooner or later The only question was as to the
point on which he should part company with the
President