The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-08-18
Objects to Exemption From
Service of Retired Men.
Reviyes Old Strife Between
Hay and Administration.
INTRODUCES new BILL At ONCE
Army Politics Back of Contest
i'm Congress.
President Returns Measure
With Long Explanation.

Washington. Aug. 1s.-Mr. Hay fol-
lowed his announcement by re-intro-
ducing in the house the bill minus not
only the section to which the presi-
dent objected but with the whole re-
vision of the articles of war eliminat-
ed. This threatened to comp1icate the
situation.
Washington. Aug. 1s.-President
Wilson today vetoed the army appro-
priation bill. His action resulted from
a provision in the bill exempting re-
tired army officers from liability to
service and discipline under the arti-
cles of war. The exemption provision
itself grew out of objections made by
certain retired officers when asked to
serve following the outbreak of the
Mexican trouble. at recruiting offices
and mastering stations.
The president is understood to OBJ
ject to that provision of the bill coz
ering the status of officers of the
army on the retired list about whom
there has been constant strife in many
congresses. The action today will
mean that at least this provision of
the bill will have to be changed and
may precipitate a struggle over the
entire appropriations measure that
might result in prolon2ing congress.
The Objectionable feature was kept In
the bill by the persistence of Chair
man Hay of the house military COM
mittee.
Chairman Hay Fathered Exemption.
Chairman Hay of the house mill
tary committee fathered the exemp-
ton plan and succeeded in keeping it
| in the bill despite the fight made on
Lit by Secretary Baker In his veto
| message to congress the president sus-
gested a constitutional objection to
| such exemption. So long as retired Of
| ficers are continued in their status as
| members of the United States army,
| he said, they cannot under the cor
| stitution be relieved from obedience
| to the president. The message ex-
presses doubt that the majority of
retired officers would sanction such a
provision in the law Congress TO pass
| the bill over his veto, must muster
two-third5 vote, and with the arrival
| of the message at the house today the
| general belief is that this cannot be
done.
The action of the president. how
| ever, is deemed likely to delay ad-
| jcurnment to some extent. The veto
| message declares, 'it Is with genuine
reluctance" that the president returns
| the bill. which he describes as wisely
and generously providing for national
defense.
Stands on Precedents.
| The existing articles of war are un-
| doubtedly archaic" says the message.
! They have not undergone revision
| for more than 100 years. i
| therefore the more keenly regret to
find in the revision of the articles of
war a provision to which ! cannot give
my approval"
| 1t cites a long list of rulings to show
i that retired army officers hold public
| office and are not mere pensioners''
| from whom no further service is ex-
pected. They wear the uniform
| of the army, their education and serv-
ice hold them out as persons especisl-
ly qualified in military matters to rep
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