Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-05-09
Strengthen tho Army.

r there ever was time, short of the actual
presence or imminent approach OF war.
when the military service should appeal to
the young men of the country. this is that
time The situation OIL the border makes the
dispatch of larger numbers Of troops impera-
tive. The attack on the little deta chment at
Glenn Springs-nine men. commanded by a
sergeant-was made possible by that detach-
ment'S weakness
And yet enlistments in the regular army
DO not even approximate the 10000 addt-
tlonal soldiers recently authorized by Con-
gress. The mobile army of the United States
with the exception Of few scattering garri-
sons, is now on the border, and it is not ade-
quate to the relatively minor purposes to
attain which it is now being employed
These considerations make it obvious that
some readily available reserve must be sun
piled. The National Guard ought TO he
placed at the service of the President when
ever he needs it. The provisions OF the
Senate army bill for force OF Federal yolun-
teers should receive prompt acquiescence
No possible means Of strengthening the reku-
lar establishment in time of special need
ought TO be neglected
The raid at Glenn Springs makes it addi-
tionally certain that the American troops now
In Mexico Will not be withdrawn until the
porder is paclhed. On the contrary they
must be REINFORCED The possibility grows
that some portion Of the National Guard will
have a chance to see active service in the
field.
or course. there should be cooperation
from Carranza. Unless he is blitherine
idiot he will avail himself OF his present
opportunity 10 prove the good faith of his
protestations The raiders in the last out
rage must be punished. and if the first chief
is wise. he will see to it that the punishment
comes from him rather than from the United
States. If it should develop that the raiders
are or those who acknowledge his authority
and this is by no means mpossible-punish-
ment should he all the more swift certain
and severe
The manner i'll which the Glenn Springs at.
tack was timed will strengthen belief that
influences seeking American Intervention in
Mexico and American occupation OF Mexico
are becoming active again The raid ar
'olumpus was committed just when there
seemed excellent reason to believe that rels
tlons between this country and Mexico would
De established on firmly satisfactory basis
rresioent Wilson has charged that the after
math OF alarming and untruthful reports had
inspiration with men on both sides the border
who desired to bring about intervention
Inc murders at Glenn Springs, perpetrated
just "hen General Scott and General Ohregon
were perfecting their agreement NAV he i'm
puta0le to the same evil influence
II inns be the fact and it can be demon
s'ra'eu the president owes it to the country
10 puplsh the names Of those responsible
Whatever influences led him some time ago to
suppress this information, no longer can CON.
trol. Our duty In Mexico is hard enough. at
the pest; that II should be com plicated and
rendered more burdensome by the conduct of
men who claim American ci,izenshin &c az
solutely intolerable
But in the meantime. let us do eyerytbinp
possible to strengthen the military forces NJ
the nation The House and Senate confareo.
VINO are squabbing over the army bill oucb,
| 10 De brought to realize that delay is almost
| criminal "'A'""'