Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-02-15
GARRISON RESIGNS:
SUCCESSOR TO BE NAMED SOON

were striving could be procured by
other means-by utilizing the state
troops as the basis OF. the policy and
making appropriations of pay to the
states conditioned OH federal control
OF the state troops.
You stated to him that you were
not interested in any particular pro-
gram or means OF accomplishing the
purpose of securing the men and
would accept his proposal II 1t ac-
complished that purpose.
"Since the policy that was recon-
mended to you and adopted by you,
discarded as absolutely impossible a
military system based upon state
troops, and asserted that the only
possible basis for a military policy
was national forces. II Is entirely
clear that the proposals are diamet-
really opposed to each. other and
are irreconcilable.
Those who are conscientiously
convinced that nothing but national
forces can properly be the basis Of
a policy of national defense cannot
possibly accept a policy based upon
state forces. 1t not only does not
IN itself offer an acceptable solution,
but acts TO prevent any proper solu-
tion.
"If those who are thus convinced
are faced with the necessity OF de-
ciaring their position on the matter,
they can only show their sincerity
and good faith by declining to adj
NIT the possibility of compromise
with respect to this essential fund
smental principle.
''I am thus convinced.
IL feel that we are challenged by
the existing situation to declare
ourselves promptly, openly and I'M
equivocally, or be charged proper
~ with lack Of sincerity and good
faith.
I'VE cannot hope to see our pro-
gram based on this essential prin-
ciple, succeed IL we admit the poSsf-
bility OF compromise with respect to
il.
Yours is the ultimate RESPONSE
bility; yours is the final determine
ton as TO the manner IN which the
solution shall be faced and treated.
I fully realize this, and do not de-
sire to cause you the slightest en-
barrassment on my account, If,
therefore, my withdrawal from the
should not hesitate for a moment
on that account.
Sincerely yours,
"LINDLEY n. GARRISON"
To that President Wilson re-
piled:
January II, 1916.
Ay Dear Mr.. Secretary: am very
much obliged to you for your let
tiers Of January ~ and January IA.
They make your views with regard
to adequate measure of preparation
for national defense sharply clear.
am sure that I already under
stood just what your views were,
but 1 am glad to have them re-
stated in this Succinct and strill-
ing way. You believe. as do. that
the chief thing necessary is that
we should have a trained citizen
reserve, and that the training. or
ganization and control Of that re-
serve should be under immediate
federal direction.
But apparently 1 have not sue
ceeded in making my own position
equally clear to you, though I feel
sure that I have made IL perfectly
clear to Mr.. Hay. It is that ! am
not irrevocably or Dramatically COM
mitted TO any one plan Of providing
the nation with such a reserve and
am cordially willing to discuss al
tentative proposals.
Any other position on my part
would Indicate an attitude toward
the committee on military affairs
Of the house OF representatives
which I should in no circumstances
feel at liberty to assume. It would
never be proper or possible for me to
say to any committee of the house
of representatives that SO far as my
participation in legislation was con-