South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-02-11

For months he has been a common
sight at the war department when
he has been in the city TO see the
lights in his office blazing far into
the night Surrounded by his bu-
reau chiefs and officers on staff
duty the secretary went into every
aspect Of the case with all the con-
centration he developed as a lawyer
and a member OF the New Jersey
judiciary.
Out of that study came the plan
for the continental army and the
correlated increases in the regular
army and proposals for coast de-
lenses and a huge reserve OF war
material which constitutes the ad-
ministration preparedness plans. so
far as the army is concerned. Be-
hind that plan the president has
stood.
Mr.. Garriosn recently declared for
universal military training as a doc
trine Of democracy although he said
he thought the nation not ready for
such a proposal at this time. He
has repeatedly said both publicly
and in private that he was so full
OF the subject of preparedness and
of the need for it as a result of his
studies, that he dreamed of + at
night and it was with him every
waking moment.
National Guard Opposed.
The only organized opposition to
f.n~rfGnrafc 90
congress has come from members Of
the national guard. During COM
mittee hearings it was disclosed that
the secretary had offered to give his
support 20 a militia pay bill. a plan
OF which he disapproved in princi-
pie. if the guardsmen would support
his proposals for the continentals
The secretary later made public
a letter 10 Chairman Cham berlain of
the senate military committee, de-
claring himself against the pay bills
after the guardsmen had assailed
the continental plan. Mr.. Garrison
is understood to have been one of
those cabinet members who have
stood must firmly for declaration Of
the nations rights in the delibera-
lions that have resulted from the
Lusitania incident and the Interrupt
ton OF American commerce with
neutral nations of Europe. Mr.. Car
rison has himself declined positive
~ to discuss any matter relating 70
cabinet meetings.
When American troops were sent
90 Vera Cruz 10 relieve Admiral
Fletchers marines and sailors. Sec'y
Garrison worked day and night in
an effort to prepare the army for
war in Mexico if that was 10 come
The echoes of the steps he then took
20 insure a prompt response by the
national guard in case % need and
10 provide for supplies and army
equipment in advance of the call for
them still reach Washington oc-
casionauy.
Sought Decentralization.
In conducting the affairs of the
war department. Sec'y Garrison has
started a campaign of decentraliza-
ton which is yet TO be completed.
His theory is that greater efficiency
viii come from lodging responsible
ity directly with commanding Off
GERS. whether Of companies or de-
partments. and then compelling
them TO live up 10 that duty.
The president is said 10 have
agreed reluctantly TO accept the res
ignation. but was forced 10 the con-
clusion that he must meet Mr. Gar
rison's wishes If the latter desired
10 leave the cabinet.
Mr.. Garrison is the third member
OF Pres't Wilson's cabinet To resign.
The first. Justice McReynolds. re-
signed as attorney general TO accept
"a seat on the supreme court The
second. William J. Bryan. resigned
as secretary Of state because Of diff
culties with the president over the
conduct OF the submarine warfare
controversy with Germany
Resignation a Surprise.
The resi- gnation came as a distinct
surprise not only 10 Washington
generally, but 10 members OF the
cabinet. one cabinet officer said
Thursday night that while he knew
there was a difference Of opinion be-
tween the president and Mr.. CARR
son over handling the army plans. |
he had not the slightest suspicion |