Arizona republican., 1916-12-20
OBLIGATION T0
 SERVE COUNTRY |S UNIVERSAL
[sepubIican A. p. Leased wirel

WASHINGTON. Dec. 19.-The agi- tation for some form of compulsory military service in the United States received qualified support from Sec retary Baker today before the house military committee, encouraging op- ponents of the present volunteer sys- tenn to predict that legislation for q change might be framed which would he sanctioned by Mir. Baker and pos sibly by President Wilson himself. The president has said he would not attempt to reach a decision on the subject until definite plan was placed before him.
 Replying to a direct question as to his views on compulsory military ser vice. Secretary Baker said:
 The obligation to serve the country is q universal one. The question of how to bring about preparation for national defense is one of policy rather than theory Whether universal mili- tIry service or q selectivc conscription Is the correct answer, l do not know. The theory of common interest in common country would be satisfied by method of selecting soldiers that vas not voluntary in character"
 The secretary tOld the committee. however. that since congress had re- tttl'n AUt tOUliltUltl dIInA Dhn m favor of the national guard system, he believed the guard should be given a fair trial. He inclined to the view that regiments returning from the border would be held together by the cy perience through which they had passed and that officers and men of the guards would hold together He did not amplify his suggestion in re- gard to selectivc conscription. IL K known however that he has been studying the question of the proper oasis of the military service since the recommendations of inc general staff for universal service Legislation were submitted. IL is understood the plan under consideration contcmplates the making of an inventory of men in the country. as is being done with indus trial resources, and devising a means whereby every citizen would be made liable in war emergency for the character of work for which he k best fitted. by his peace time training.
 In the near future MT. Baker will ap- pear before the senate sub- committee which Is hearing the opinions of army officials and others on the Chamber lain universal training bill. Major General Hugh L. Scott. chief of staff, was again before the sub- committee today. urging universal service legis- lation and submitting the report on the mobilization of the national guard for border duty. compiled by Colonel W. C. Brown from all information ailable af the war department.
 The conclusion of the general staff General Scott said. that no adequate defense could be built up under the present volunteer svstcm. vas fully substantiated by reports Of depart . ment commanders. inspector -instruc- tors and others included in Colonel Browns compilation and which dis closed vital and inherent faults in the national guard system which could not he passed over.
 Colonel Brown. who commanded the Tenth cavalry under General pershng and led, the detachment which dealt the most severe punishment to the Villa bandits. was before the commit . tee himself and told of the hardships the troops in Mexico encountered. on the forced marches and the terrific pace set. adding that only thoroughly Continued on Page Eight)