New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-19

small-army men after the adoption OF
tie Brandegee amendment for an
army Of 100000 10 reduce the maxi
mum. Senator Hitchcock proposed
that the figure be 100000. It was re
jocted by the Senate. Sc to Is. A
little later Senator Reed tried 20 re
duce the maximum 70 100000 but was
beaten on "A roll call, al to 80.
Adoption OF the Brandegee amend
ment was somewhat Of a surprise even
10 the committee, which had not pro-
posed more men principally because il
did not think the Senate would APP
prove a larger number. In urging his
amendment Senator Brandegee called
attention 10 the Presidents words on
his recent preparedness tour regard
iul the likelihood at any time Of a
soark embroiling the United States.
at Is question OF whether we ought
not to do something now"
Supporting Mr. Brandegee, Senator
Smith, of Georgia. declared that the
immediate considerations were those
that should influence the Senate rather
than those which might come FIVE years
hence. when the maximum Of strength
under the committee bill would be
reached.
Present Conditions Control.
at is the immediate exgency which
worries me, not what may be the con-
ditions FIVE years hence" declared Sen
ator Smith, because ! do not know
how long we will be able TO keep the
country out Of the war. do not know
what day we may be drawn IN, or on
what side. Never by vote OF mine
will this country DO embroiled, but the
danger is immediate. In five years, !
hope, the trouble in Europe will he
over and the necessity for such a large
army will have vanished, but next year
we may be in it."
whatever we are 20 do in the way
of preparedness we ought to do now
declared Senator Lodge. "The regular
army should be the cornerstone for
our national defence. II will take time
TO gather the reserve force, but our
mobile force should be strengthened.
At present it il inadequate. even 20
deal with the situation in Mexico
Senator Hughes, Of New Jersey, de-
clared he would like 10 see the amend
ment so changed as 10 make 100000
the minimum number OF regulars. in
stead Of the maximum. lie urged an
increase in pay 70 make il possible 10
enlist $50, 900 men without delay. He
was beaten on an amendment 10 make
the pay of privetes S25 month.
at present" said Senator Hughes,
"there may be a million votes in this
bill, but there are no soldiers. We have
thrown an expensive sop to the national
guard and We have thrown sop to
the men who want 10 go TO the sum
mer camps. We ought TO do more for
the regulars. There ought 10 be more
regulars, and We ought to pay them a
more adequate wage The average
farm laborer gets more than $25 u
month and his board, and we ought to
pay our soldiers more"
Training in Schools
Senator Hardwick's amendment for
training in schools provides FOR mil
itary instruction by commissioned army
officers under direction Of the Secrc-
tary Of War in every school and college
In the United States having 100 or
more male students over fifteen year
old, when authorities of such schools
apply for such instruction and the
requisite number Of students agree 10
accept the training and become a part
OF the reserve force Of the army. APP
plication for the training will be pure
~ voluntary. but all students over
eighteen years old receiving training
will be sunbject 70 call 10 the colors
ly the President IN time Of war or
threatened war during their training
term.
Senator Cummins's amendment 70 in
crease the number Of officers IN the
ordnance department TO l26. instead OF
the 50 as AZ present, or 100, provided
for IN the bill, was defeated. as was the
Hitchcock amendment to hX the num-
Der Of officers on the General STAFF at
81, Instead Of 3s. M At present, or ~,
as provided IN the bill.
An amendment by Senator Reed pro
hlbIllnR enlisted men from leaving