The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-10-30
CBy George Creel.)

Washington, Oct 30.-"The mis
 understandings and misrepresenta tions that have enveloped the Ma. tional Guard" declayes Secretary oi War Newton D. Baker. ''have also clouded the new Army bill. The Navy bill, on authority of Admiral Dewey has been accepted as the best meas ure ever passed by any Congress, but the Army Reorganization, by reason of it's greater intricacy, is less under stood.
 .As it stands to-day" he explain ed. there is provision for four classes of soldiers in the United States!
 First, the Regular Army. The new law increases it from S6,961 to a minimum strength of 219,667, of which over 11,000 will be officers, about 164,000 combatant troops, and about 10000 non-combatant troops. The new enlistment contract provides for seven years of service, three with the colors and four in the reserve. It is also provided, and the reform is important, THAT AT THE END OF ONE YEARS SERVICE ANY EN- LISTED MAN MAY BE DISCHARG- ED IF HE HAS BECOME PROFI- CLIENT IN THAT TIME. Also, en- listed men in the reserve will be paid SPA a year.
 Second, the National Guard. The maximum number authorized is 800 for each senator and representative in Congress and such number from the Territories as the President shall prescribe. This will probably give a total of about 17,0O0 officers and 44O.- 900 men. Forty-eight periods of ar mory training each year and 15 days of field training will be required, and such organizations as do not meet the law will receive no Federal aid.
 Third, the Enlisted Reserve Corps. This will consist of men whose daily occupation in civil life specially fits them for duty in the Engineer, Sig nal and uartermaster Corps and in the Ordnance and Medical Depart ments. This body will provide the railway operatives, bridge builders, chauffeurs, hospital attendants, nurses, telegraphers, etc. These en- listed specialists for the technical de- partments of the Army will be re- cruited in time of peace for use in time of war only. An officers Re- serve Corps is also provided. which authorizes the commissioning of civilians as high as major in the vari- ous branches of the Army. We will have units at the various colleges, academies and universities through out the country where proper train ing will be given.
 Fourth, the Volunteer Army, which will be raised only in time of war. To prepare defenders against day of need, we are developing the Plattsburg idea to it's fullest. At the start in 1915, individuals attending these training camps were compelled to pay their own expenses. The new Army bill recognizes the camps as a vital factor in preparedness and pro- vides that all expenses in connection with attendance shall be borne by the federal government.
 "I should explain" he added, ''that the regular army increases are to be made in five annual increments. The slighte2 thought should make clear the wisdom and necessity of this pro- vision. The expansion of any indus try, if you are not going to ruin it, must be limited by it's assimilative capacity. A 20 per cent. enlargement each year is all that the Army ma chinery can handle with efficiency, and it is also all that the Army can get. A great preparedness parade in one city, for instance, in which co., 900 men marched, was followed by two enlistments.
 Emergencies. however, have been guarded against. Although the in creases are to be spread over five years, the bill. contains the further provision. That in event of actual or