The Ozark spectator., 1916-12-30
CONTEST IN CONGRESS OVER UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAIN
 ING IS ASSURED.
PLAN IS GAINING SUPPORT
It's Essential Democracy and Appar- ent Failure of the New Militia Sys- tenn in It's Favor-Opponents Many and Determined.
By GEORGE CLINTON.

sharply evident day by day that before the United States is IS months older there will be contest in congress on the subject of universal military train ing. The proponents of the plan urge that every young American prior to reaching the age of twenty-one shall serve one year with the colorS as d means of training and to the end of preparedness for defense.
 The chief of the general staff of the United States army in his report, which has just been issued, virtually urges universal military service in the form outlined. He declares that there is no reason why one mothers son should bear the burden of another mothers son equally able to bear it.. The plea is for the democracy of the plan, inasmuch as its advocates say 1t would put the son of q millionaire under the shelter tent ill the field with the son of Il labOrer. and that such companionShip makes for real na- tional spirit and for real democracy.
 There is the strongest kind of oppo- Sition among certain clements in con greSs and in the country to universal military training. The friends of the plan say, however, that recruits for their cause rapidly are being won from the ranks of the opposition. They de- clare that more than anything else the democracy of the scheme is winning them recruits for their cause.
 Why Guardsmer Refused Oath.
 It is useless to deny. members say, that what many congressman say is the failure of the militia system and the failure of the attempt to secure enough recruits for the regular army hy the volunteer system are respon- sible for the seeming change of mind by Il part of the public toward the plan for universal training. The Ma tional GuardSmen did fine work and responded gallantly to the call for service, but on the return of many of them to their homes they declined to take the oath which would bind them to the federal service for Il long period. It is said in army circles that there are reasons for this which do not in any way reflect on the patriotism of the members of the Guard.
 It seems that the GuardSmen, after serving on the border. for many of them so declare. realized that they were giving up their business pursuits, and some of them their families and making sacrifices while a vast ma iority of men in their own condition of life were not called upon to make any sacrifice at all The Guardsmen urged the inequalities in the diStribu ton of the burdens of service.
 So far as the United States regular army is concerned, the law now fixes its strength at about 100000 men. Of course, enlstments dre voluntary and up to the present time it has been possible to secure only about 10000 men ready to enlist under the flag and serve the allotted time. Recruiting of ficers are said 10 be Respondent over the outlook.
 These are the things which are mak- ing universal military training the sharp subject of interest and debate mored that high officials of the gov ernment are beginning to lean toward the universal service plan. thinking that it is the only way in which the country adequately can prepare itself, that 1t is the only equitable way of doing things as long as military service is necessary. and. moreover, because 1t Is so essentially democratic.
 Many Congresses in Capital.
 Washington Is the city of con gress and of many Congresses. This winter there will be something like fifteen big meetings which will be at tended by men from all parts of the country and to which are given the name of congresses by their promoters. Several of these congresses already have been held. and others are to come along one after another in rapid sue cession. The object of every one of them is something which the delegates insist will be for the great benefit of Lllc pSoPiS. ihtit dlt liipSt, of course. who hold that some of the congresses are for the detriment of the American people, for in politics there is always room for difference of opin- ion, room which generally is pretty well occupied.
 Already in this city there has been held the great rivers and harbors con gross for the purpose of suggesting legislation to improve the waterways of the land. There are men who are inclined to say that the rivers and harbors congress meets to promote pork barrel' legislation. This the del- egates to the congress and the men
 s"sry on it's propaganda through
 explicitly, and some
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 congrssS of the