New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-11
III. S. in Worse Shape than
Turkey, General Scott
TeStifieS.
ARMY COULD LAND
HERE IN TWO WEEKS
General Says Germans Could
Transport 100000 Men
Every Month.


Washington. Jan. 10 The United
states IN case of war must have an
army Of one 10 two million mon or
accept disaster; IT could not give as
good an account Of itself as Turkey;
every student Of military affairs agrees
that only universal service will give US
a satisfactory army; there is no system
by which the national guard can be
made force on which the United
States could depend in case Of cmcr-
ccncy.
These were the salient points brought
out IN tho testimony Of General Hugh
l.. Scott, Chief OF STAFF, u. s. A.. at the
hearing Of the House Military Affairs
Committee to-day The general was on
the stand for over three hours, and was
put under cross-eKamlnation far more
vigorous than that to which Secretary
Garrison. who was the witness for two
days last week, had been subjected.
The danger TO the United States Of
invasion was brought out By Repre-
sentativcs Anthony and Green. The
discussion started after General Scott
had declared that the prospect of uni
yersal service with 1000, 900 men I'M
der arms would not frigh,en" him.
He explained that they would be need
ed in case OF invasion.
Could Land Here in Two Weeks.
representative Anthony declared his
belief that II would be impossible for
Germany or any other nation to land
a force Of over 100000 men on Amer
lean soil, and General Scott produced
the figures Of experts showing that
Italy could land 10000 men In two
weeks and follow that with los. 900
more in a. short a time.
What would happen to the first
10000 ~ asked Mr.. Anthony.
Once on shore aud established thew
would be safe TO hold out till tho next
contingent arrived" General Scott re-
pilcd. Equipped with the proper ar
iIllery they would be quite secure. Il
would be no trouble Tor the transports
TO bring any number Of guns and
munitions"
He then read the estimates TO show
that Germany could land $4,000 men
900 the first fifteen days and 10000
more every thirty days thereafter, with
full supplies. Mr.. Anthony Tell back
on disbelief
81 must express doubt as to the
length Of time and as TO the figures.
he said. AT any rate. ! believe we
should have az least sixty days warn
ing. And wouldn't any European power
be taking an extremely hazardous risk
IN landing forces on the soil o. this
free and vigorous people
Not Equal to Turkey
II don't think Germany or any Of
those countries think il much Of a risk
TO. send troops 70 the United States
replied General Scott.
"Couldnt We do as we'll a Turkey
has against the British invasion? ," Rep
rcscrtatiye Shallenbcrger interrupted.
NO; we haven't nearly as large a
force as Turkey" said the general.
Earlier in the hearing General Scott
had given the figures Of the force nee
essary for defence. II had previously
been stated that o00.0 900 men would be
necessary 20 hold the coast while the
strength of the country was being
modified. Representative Littlepage
asked how many officers would be need
Cd in case OF war
"Not les than 10000 or 10000" wa
the answer.
"And how many men?
Between 100000 and 1000 00o. Not
for the peace organization, but in time
of war we would have to have nearly
1000 600 men or accept disaster"
Representative Shallenberger brought
out tina. the cost Of the American army
is much higher than those IN Europe.
General Scott explaining that 1t was
largely because the European troops
serve as a patriotic duty, with little
pay. -,
"Do you favor universal service
the Representative asked.
YES" declared the general. That
would make il more equitable and put
an equal burden on every citizen. II
would be a fundamental benefit IN
peace or war"
Isn't this plan intended to bring
about universal service"
"All countries have come 20 il. Even
England is Coming 20 IL now"