Evening star., 1916-01-06
Secretary Garrison Lays His
Permanent Army Plan Be-
fore House Committee.
RESPONSIBILITIES CALL
FOR GREAT INCREASES
Wants 100000 Men in Six Years
and Extension Of Coast Defenses.
Adequate Equipment Essential.

TIC 1AOuoS HlilAtoiy oAoAA ~oAAA
mittee today his formal argument
in behalf of the administration S
army plan which is designed to
give the country a definite mill
tary policy. 1t proposes the crea-
ton of mobile federal force of
more than million men in six
years, accumulation of a huge re-
serve of ammunition and equip
ment and elaborate extension OF
the coast defenses, the whole
project involving an increased ex-
pense of $6oo,ooo,ooo and an an
nual War Department budget
thereafter of more than $2oo,o ,ooo,-
600, as compared with an aver
age of 500, 900, 900 for the last
few years.
THE integrity of the nation and its
very existence" the Secretary said,
reading from a lengthy statement he
had prepared. may depend upon what
is done in this matter at this time.
This great opportunity will be lost un-
less a wise, sensible and practical pol
icy is the result of the consideration
and action of this Congress-"
Referring to the farspread military
responsibilities of the nation, reaching
into the insular possessions, China.
Alaska and the Panama Canal Zone,
Mr.. Garrison added:
I'VE have determined ana announced
that the sovereignty of the other re-
publics on this hemisphere shall remain
inviolable. and must therefore at all
times stand ready to make good our
position in this connection"
Cites Forces June 80.
He then quoted figures to show the
full strength of the army on June 80
last-t05.S93 officers and men of the
combatant forces, and their present
distribution. To these should be added,
he said, 1.1S3 officers and 1888 men of
the noncombatant arms Of the service,
bringing the total number of federal
troops up to 10S,61S. He pointed out
that the item Of pay alone made up ap-
proximately SO per cent Of the total
proposed appropriations.
The United States, including Alaska,
said the Secretary, Is of greater area
than the combined total of Austro-
Bulgaria, Denmark, France. Germany,
Greece, Italy. Japan, Portugal, Russia
in Europe. Spain and Turkey in Europe.
the total OF these areas representing
only 81 per cent Of that of the United
States.
1T will OF necessity" he added, "be
conceded by any one who admits that
military force is requisite at all, that
our present military force is totally in
adequate to meet our responsi bilities.
Tine chaos which a crisis always pro-
duces where preparations in advance
have not been made, makes it certain
that several months Of necessity would
intervene after the outbreak Of war be-
fore any considerable number of vol
unteers would be ready to take their
training, and months of training must
then ensue before they could be ready
to be sent into battle"
Would Obviate Loss Of Time.
A similar delay would meet the er-
fort to assemble arms. equipment and
ammunition. Mr.. Garrison said, and he
insisted that, If 1t accomplished MOTH
ig more. the plan now proposed would
obviate smuch OF this loss OF time.
u
of some" he continued, Ito assume
that We are facing crisis. The only
way to meet any emergency Is by
adopting emergency measures. The
personnel and material needed for mill
tary purposes should be Immediately
mobilized. Every nerve should be
strained. and every resource drawn
upon. and nothing overlooked neces-
sary to preserve and defend US. re-
gardless Of cost and of other considera-
tions.
I'm my view. the occasion calls for
the adoption Of wise. sensible, ade-
quate, military policy. on permanent
lines and for definite ends.
those who have studied the subject
intelligently that we should have q
force in the continental United States
Of 100000 men subject to instant call.
Modern warfare. while 1t has dem
onstrated the increased use of me-
chanical instruments of war. also has
demonstrated the increased use OF
numbers. In addition. therefore. to
those with the colors subject to IN
stant call. there should be at all times
in the country large numbers OF men
available. by reason of previous service
tor military purposes.
Immediate Problem.
"our immediate problem. therefore,
seems to be how shall we meet these
requirements.
''The adjutant general. after a most
careful consideration of the whole SUBJ
1ect matter and personal attention
thereto, reaches the conclusion that he
cannot expect, under present condi-
tions. to recruit more than $4,000 men
per year for the army. 1t would there
fore seem impracticable in the last de-
gree to consider that the problem can
be solved by providing for q standing
army Of the sine necessary Tor this
solution.
Il do not In any way share tho fear
Of those who think that proper military
preparations involve any interfsrence
whatever with the supremacy OF the
civil authorities. do, however, firmly
believe that In democracy the defense
Of the nation should rest upon the citi.
zens and not upon q professional. paid
military force, constantly under arms
and devoted solely to military pursuits
/ think 1t is clear that from every
standpoint we can dismiss the sugges.
ton that the situation should be prop
erIy met by a standing army OF SOC. .0oG
men, constantly under arms"
Status of National Guard.
Turning to the National Guard. Mr.
sCarPfaon said: