Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-02-15
SECRETARY GARRISON
RESIGNS; SUCCESSOR
TO BE NAMED SOON
Capital Surprised When CARR
son and Breckenridge Quit
Because Wilson Refused TO
Demand Continental Army

national capitol throbbed with gossip to-
day concerning the differences between
President Wilson and Secretary of War,
Garrison in regard to plans for prepared
ness, which led to the resignation of
the latter and Assistant Secretary of
War Henry c. Breckenridge, the presi-
dent, it is understood, is considering a
list of eligibles from which he will Dick
new secretary OF war.
Secretary Garrison's resignation took :
official Washington by surprise Even
members of the presidents official fam
lily were unaware of the secretaryss con-
templated action, although one of them
SAID, however, that he knew Mr.. Wilson
and Mr.. Garrison differed over the hand
ling, of the army plans.
CAME AS SURPRISE
The first intimation that anything ur-
usual had happened came when Score
tary Garrison let 1t be known late yes
terday that he was leaving the city for
an indefinite stay anu would not make
the promised speech before the annual
meeting - -..e chamber of commerce of
the United States in defense Of his con-
tinental army plan The secretary left
| for New York, accompanied by Mrs Gar
rison without making any personal ex-
| PLANTATION.
The reasons for Secretary Garrisons
resignation and its acceptance by the
president are disclosed in lengthy cor
responGSnce made public between them
The correspondence revealed that while,
the secretary left the cabinet principally
| because the president would not sir
| revocably" support the continental army
! plan, his opposition to the administra-
TONS program for setting definite time
| for Filipino independence, as outlined in
Senator Clarke's amendment to the
Philippine bill, was an important factor.
The secretary characterized the amend
ment as ian abandonment of the duts.
of this nation and a breach of trust for
the rilipinos."
Secretary Garrison contended that
only federal continental army, instead
| of a recognized national guard, could be
| the main military dependence of the
country, while the president contended
| that no one plan could be enforced upon
| congrSss
FEAR THE MILITIA
1t was upon these two contentious
| that the break between tine president and
| his secretary Of war came. Mr.. CARR
| son considered reliance upon the militia
| for national defense an t'unjustihable
| imperiling of the nations safety.
Assistant Secretary Breckinridge. who
shared Secretary Garrisons views, re-
! signed because of loyalty to his chief.
| His resignation also was accepted.
Major General Scott, chief of stan Of
the army, automatically became secre-
| tary of war ad interim.
HOKE SMITHS VIEWS.
Concerning Garrisons resignation,
Senator Hoke Smith today voiced the
general sentiment among members OF,
| congress when he said:
Il esteem Mr.. Garrison very highly.
but the president has been undoubtedly
right in the controversy which led to the
ou1o r1f fl1n for faf
Secretary Garrison recommended, as
a part of the preparation for national
defense, the creation of continental
army. The president submitted the rec
concentrations of the secretary of war
to congress. A thorough investigation
of the subject satisfied the members of
the house and large majority Of the
senators that the plan, for a continental
army was a mistake Many of the
ablest generals in the army disapprov-
ed it. ie
Secretary Garrison insisted that the
president should press it upon congress
and make an issue with congress over IL.
The president declined to do so, and the
secretary of war resigned.
81 believe that our national defense
will be strengthened by a temporary in
crease of the regular army underSa pro-
vision that will make short regular
service of one or two years with a term
OF several years service as reserves at
nominal pay. Outside of this our land
forces will vxbe strengthened by more
attention to the national guard.
81 regret that the secretary of war
felt compelled to resign, but if he was
not willing to yield his plan for con
tinental army there was nothing else for
him to do, and nothing for the president
to do but to give him up.
THE presidents willingness to co-op-
crate with congress will not weaken, but
add to his influence
HARDwICKs STATEMENT
Senator Hardwick said:
while / regard Secretary Garrison
as one of the ablest and strongest mem
bers of the cabinet, I do not hesitate TO
matter a sutterly untenable.
matter as utterly untenable.
cit would be impossible for the pres
ident TO force through congress any one
particular plan of legislation looking to
the increase of the army and navy of
the United States. His task, difficult
one at best, can only be successfully ac-
complished by constant and real CONSUL
tation with both houses of congress.
1.-The president seems to realize this
fully and il is a fortunate thing for
the country and the Democratic party
that he does Otherwise, should have
but little hope for the success Of his
program at this session of congress.
Mr.. Garrisons idea seems to be that
the president should insist on one par
ticular plan and accept nothing else by
way of suggestion or compromise that
congress may have to offer.
ANY one who is at all experienced
here must realize that no president of
the United States could adopt such
course and succeed with his program,
and if Mr.. Garrison was unwilling to
remain in the cabinet except on that
condition, his retirement from it is the
best thing that could happen.
ST have every hope that congress, dur
ing the present session, will adopt q
reasonable program of preparedness for
whatever increases in both our army and
navy seem to be reasonably demanded
by present conditions.
The house members of the Georgia
delegation without exception sustain
the president in his difference with Sec
rotary Garrison.