Arizona republican., 1916-04-02
Talks All Day WithoutAny Indication of When Mass of Amendments Will Be Submitted for COnsidera- tiOn
DEBATE WILL GO
 OVER FOR WEEK
Senator Pomerene Defends Section Calling for Militia Division on the General Staff; Get Full Use of the Guard Then
Republican A. p. Leased Wire1


 WASHINGTON. April l-The senate debated the army increase bill again all day today without any indication as to when work would begin on the mass of pending amendments. As yet Senator Chamberlain, chairman of the military committee, has made no effort to limit general discussion, which began yester- day, as it probably will continue sever lal days at least before amendments are taken up.
 Senator Borah told the senate he had found an insurmountable constitutional barrier against the proposal in the bill for Liberalization of the pational guard. He gave many legal citations to support his contention that under the constitu- | tion congress has no power to enforce 1 the discipline it has authority to pre- scribe. Should any state refuse to ap- point officers or to train national guardsmen, he said, congress would be
 without any recourse. It could neither have training for the guardsmen itself
 or compel the state to act, and it could not empower the president to appoint officers or compel the state to appoint them.
 l Senator Cummins and Senator Lewis
 sharply disagreed with Senator Borah
 Senator Lewis attacked the senate bill
 provision for a force of federal volun-
 teers, saying it was aimed at the na- tional guard and would destroy it if
 enacted. The Illinois senator asserted | that the ambition of regular army off, cers to rise to deserved promotions was wholly responsible for the volunteer army proposal. Because the nation was
 resolved not to maintain a large stand ing army and since the constitution lbarred these graduates of West Point from commands in the national guard, he said, they naturally sought an ave-
 nue of escape.
 Senator Pomerene defended his amendment proposing creation of na-
 tional guard section of the army gen. ieral staff. While regular officers looked
 with disfavor on the guard he said, no accurate report as to the guards con-
 dition and fitness could be expected from them. Only by appointing national lguard officers to the staff, he added could the full use of the state soldiers
 be assured.
 Senator Brandege added to the mass of amendments now pending a proposal to make the maximum peace strength ] of the army 250,000 instead of 1S0,0 00( as proposed in this bill. Senator Gore
 submitted as an amendment his bil ? proposing that a military training
 course be provided for any high schOo with an attendance of more than fifty lboys above 16 years of age, the govern. ment to pay two fifths of the salary O.
 a military instructor. More than 100,.
 1000 boys could be brought under train. , ing in this way, he said.
 : Another feature of national prepared ness was considered today by the hous, t commerce commission with Secretar, : Redfield testifying in support of tn r lighthouse appropriation bill. e The secretary said the 25 seagoin:
 buoy boats now in service would b f |available as mine layers or sweeper : in time of war. Their drag equipmen 7, for locating pinnacle rocks he added 0 would be invaluable for mine sweep n ing or to trap hostile submarines. y The house naval comimttee was no f in session. Secretary Daniels is ex r lpected to continue his testimony Mon - day when the hearings will be brough e to close. Chairman Padgett hope t to have the navy bill before the hous
 1.-two weeks later