Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-03-07
CALLING OUT A MILLION.

States would mean the assembling Of an army of
at least million men, does not strike the average
American citizen as an undertaking OF any magni-
tude, especially when our enthusiasm is running
high. The statement has been made by one of the
countrys best known men-Bryan-that the sun.
rising ON a call issued to defend the nation would
set ON million men ready and willing TO answer
the call.
Several months ago when conditions on south
ern border became intoerablc, President Wilson sent
out call for 10000 men. and at the end of the first
three weeks the recruiting officers reported hut one
quarter of that number, which is evidence of shy
ness in joining the army when actual duty is in
sight, even such spectacular service as might he
pected in the land Of the caeti.
Putting aside for the moment all legislation that
has been enacted and discarded regarding the Unit
ed States standing army of million men, let US
analyze the prospective outcome of sudden call for
million fighting men. The call for this number of
men would not come until war had actually been
declared or TO protect our coasts and borders from
Invasion by an enemy. Mobilization before such a
declaration or invasion would be Immediately con-
sirued as q hostile act. 1t was this same act per-
formed before war was declared, that preciptated
the struggle In Europe.
Surprising that the call has been made for mil
lion men, the reason being justifable and the need
for the countrys safety pressing, what then?
The first move would be to get the men; one mil
lion Of them; representing ten armies each Of the
size and strength Of the present fighting land forces
OF the United States Allowing that the men were
recruited, then comes organization, then trimming.
the equipment. This latter condition.is problem
to be reckoned with. Following is partial list of
articles Of equipment not only essential but neces
sary to place million men in fighting trim, as fig
uied out by the war department.
Seven hundred and fifty thousand rifles and
bayonets for them to fight with
Two hundred and sixtyfiye thousand pistols
Eight thousand machine guns.
Two thousand one hundred field guns 10 bat
ter down attack
One hundred and sixty.ffe million cartridges
to carry them into their first fight, and as many
more for each succeeding fight
Two million five hundred thousand shells and
shrapnel for our field guns for every hour they
are in action.
One hundred and nnety-six thousand horses
to carry them and pull their carriages
One hundred and twenty-seven thousand
mules to haul their supplies and pack their
guns.
Eight thousand wagons to transport their
supplies and ammunition
One million cartridge belts for their aInmuni
ton
One million frstaid packets to bind up their
wounds.
One million canteens.
Zach Of them must have uniform and equip
me1t
One million shelter halves to protect them
from the weather.
One million pouches to keep them dry.
Two million blankets to keep them warm.
Two million pairs Of shoes.
Two million uniformcoats, brooches, leggings,
suits Of underwear.
One million hats
Two million shirts
Four million pairs Of socks
One million haversacks to carry their equip |
menf.
An army Of million newly-made soldiers would |
il is figured out, be in need and very much in need
OF the guiding hands, brains and experience of about
5000 proficient officers. How near that number
can we come in furnishing officers to take command
Of million men z This is the largest problem. We
might buy all other paraphernalia of war but VIC
cannot buy readylmade officers
II invasion should take place in the near future,
the brunt of the attack would have to be borne BY
few thousand sregulars' until such time as rein.
forcements of nearsoldiers, minus uniforms, and
oncersin the making could be supplied and as such
would stand poor chance against an army Of train
ed INVADERS Men Of a few weeks instruction would
be thrown into the field with the expectation that
they would accomplish what officers of years of I
training would have grave doubts about attempting. /
Census experts make the emphatic statement that /
ske S has over IL 600 600 men of military age still
would be considered extremely good work to raise
an army of a million men in one year, and perfect
them in the tactics Of war TO an extent that they
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