New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-01
Preparedness for the United States

and a half ago we were told that
the question Of preparedness was
not pressing one; that the
country had been misinformed.
Wilson's Belated Demand.
Later, under the pressure Of
other leadership. this attitude was
changed. The Administration, 1t
was said, had Learned something"
and IL made r belated demand for
an increased army. Even then the
demand was not prosecuted con-
sistently. and the pressure exerted
on Congress with respect 70 other
administrative measures was nota-
bis absent
The President addressed Con-
gress but little over six months
ago. presenting the plans OF the
War Department, and Congress
was formally urged 70 sanction
these plans a "the essential first
steps" They contemplated an in
crease Of the standing force Of the
regular army from its then
strength of 5,023 officers and 1927
9S5 enlisted men to a strength of
1876 officers and l34,7e7 enlisted
men. or 1883 all told.
II was said that these additions
were "nece ssary 10 render the
army adequate for its present
duties" Further. II was proposed
that the army should be supple
mented b. a force of 100000 dis
ciplincd citizens. raised IN mere
ments Of 1873 1000 a year through a
period Of three years. At least so
much "by way OF preparation for
defence" seemed 20 the President
to be- absolutely imperative now"
He said: we cannot DO less
Resignation Of Garrison.
But within two months this pro-
gramme was abandoned. and the
able Secretary of War VINO had de-
voted himself persistently to this
important question felt so keenly
the change in policy that he re-
signed from the Cabinet.
Now the army organization bill
provides for an army on paper Of
$4,000. but in fact il provides for
only 100000 enlisted men for the
fiscal year ending June 30. 1917,
ana ! am informed that for the
next fiscal year there will he an IN
crease of only $4,000. The plan
for the supplemental Federal army
completely under Federal control
was given M.
We are told that the defects re-
vealed by the present mobilization
are due 20 the system But IT
was precisely such plain defects
that under the constant warnings
Of recent years, with the whole
world intent on military concerns,
should have been studied and recti-
fed. The Administration has failed
10 discharge its possibilities.
Apparently, II is now seeking 20
meet political eXigencies by its
naval programme. But II has m
posed upon the country an incom-
petent naval administration.
Adequate Defence Demanded.
We demand adequate nstional
defence; adequate protection on
both our Western and Eastern
coasts We demand thoroughness
and efficiency in both arms Of the
service. Il seems TO be plain that
our regular army is too small.
We are too great a country TO re-
quire Of our citizens who are en-
gagged in peaceful vocations the
sort Of military service 10 which
they are now called. As well in
sist that our citizens in this me-
tropolis be summoned 10 put out
fires and police the streets.
We do not count il inconsistent
with our Liberties, or with our
democratic ideals. 20 have an ade-
quate police force. With a popula-
ton Of nearly one hundred million
we need TO be surer Of ourselves
than TO become alarmed at the
prospect of having regular army
which can reasonably protect our
border. and perform such other
military service as may be re-