Bisbee daily review., 1916-12-20
Secretary of War Says Obliga- ton Is Everyone's, but He Wants Further Trial for the Organized Militia. LOOKS FAVORABLY ON
 SELECTIVE SYSTEM This Would Raise Big Army By Drawing for Men, Those Drawn Being Compelled to Join Colors.
(By Review Leased Wire)


 WASHINGTON, Dec 1eThe agi- tation for some form of compulsory military service in the United States received qualified support from Secretary Baker today before the House military committee, en- couragine opponents of the present volunteer system to predict that legislation for a change might be framed which would be sanctioned by Mir. Baker and possibly by President Wilson himself. The President has said he would not attempt to reach a decision on the subject until definite plan was placed before him.
 Replying to a direct question as to his views on compulsory military sery- ice. Secretary Baker said:
 Would Draw for Elm.
 The obligation to serve the coun- try is a universal one. The question of how to bring about preparation for national defenses is one of policy rath- CT than theory. Whether universal military service or a selective con scription is the correct answer, l do not know. The theory of common interest in a common country would be satisfied by method of selecting soldiers that was not voluntary Tn character"
 "Give Guards a Chance"
 The secretary told the committee, however, that since Congress had re- iected the continental army plan in favor of the national guard system, he believed the guard should be given fair trial. He inclined to the view that regiments returning from the border would be held together by the experience through which they had passed and that officers and men oi the right sort would be inspired by the knowledge that they had gained to work for greater efficiency. He did not amply his suggestion in regard to selective conscription.
 inventory All Men.
 It is understood the plan under con- sideration contemplates the making of an inventory of men in the country, as is being done with industrial resources, and devising a means whereby every citizen would be liable in a war emerg- ency for the character of the work Tor which he is best fitted, by his peace time training.
 In the near future MT. Baker will ap- pear before the Senate committee which is having the opinions of army officials and others on the Chamber lain universal training bill.
 Facts About Guards!
 Major General Hugh L. Scott, chief of staff, was again before the sub-com- mittee today, urging universal service and submitting the report on the mobil- ization of the national guard for bor- der duty, compiled by Colonel w. C. Brown from all information available al the war department.
 Facts Versus Fancy.
 The conclusion of the general staff. General Scott said, that no adequate defense could be built under the pres ent volunteer system was fully sub stantiated by the reports of depart ment commanders, inspector instruc- tors and others, in Colonel Browns compilation and which disclosed vital and inherent failures in the national guard system.
 Took Trained Men.
 Colonel Brown. who commanded the Tenth Cavalry under General Pershing and led the detachment which dealt the most severe punishment to the Villa bandits, was before the com mittee himself and told of the hard ships the troops in Mexico encountered by forced marches and terrific pace set, adding that only thoroughly train. ed men and animals could have stood
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