The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-03-27
Brig Gen. Clarence R. Edwards will

Brig. Gen. Clarence R. Edwards will
cummanu the NortnM esteIn uepal,
ment. Brig Gen. Edward H. Plum
mer will command the troops in the
Panama canal zone. Other depart
ment commanders will remain as at
present.
Congress must determine the sys-
tenn under which an army is to be
raised Today's action provides more
elastic machinery found necessary as
a result of the recent border mo-
bilization, for the enrolling and train
ing of a great army, whether raised
as volunteers, by conscription or
through universal service bill.
The object of the creation of the
new departments of the Northeast
and Southeast was to distribute
among three contral commanders the
work of mobilization in the States
most thickly populated and from
which the greatest number of soldiers
must come. The present Eastern de-
partment directed the mobilization OF
approximately so per cent. OF the
uSI1Cll oO1AI W SAiS IVA W.
with 100000 men, the maximum
authorized strength Of the National
Guard in addition to whatever volun-
teers might be summoned. the task
would be too great for single de-
partment organization because OF
the vastness of the supply problems
involved.
Instructions to National Guard Of
icers issued more than month ago
to cover any future mobilizations
showed plainly that the war depart
ment had learned it's lesson and pro-
posed to decentralize its mobilization
problems as far as possible. Depart
mental commanders completely Will
supervise the assembling OF State
troops in their districts hereafter and
will take over the task of recruiting.
Army Officers Surprised.
The transfer of Gen. Wood from,
the Eastern to the Southeastern de-
partment caused considerable specu-
lation among army officers. No ex-
planation was given and Secretary
Baker declined to comment. The
Eastern department, even as it will
be after the new organization goes
into effect, is regarded as the most
important of the six because OF Its
great economic development. AS b
general rule that department falls to
the command of the senior MAJOR
general of the army available for such
duty.
Gen. Wood is the ranking officer or
his grade. Gen. Bell, who now takes
command of the Eastern department!
being his immediate Junior. In some
quarters it was suggested that the
new Southeastern department might
prove to be- the centre of interest
should the present international STU
ation develop need for military opera
tions to the South.
Indications tonight were that the
administration planned to await ac-
ton by congress before further war
like preparations are ordered. Presi-
dent Wilson has authority to direct
that the regular army be brought up
to full war strength at once, and also
to call out the remainder Of the Ma
tional Guard and the naval militia.
In designating State troops to be
called out it is apparent that the war
department has carefully surveyed
the field of private enterprises which
might be assailed in event Of domes-
tic disturbances. The number OF
troops from each State summoned to
duty bears a direct relation to the
shipyards. munition plants and other
industry in that State which may need
military protection.
The president, following his con-
ferences with Gov. Mccall of Massa-
chusetts. Friday night and yesterday
with Secretary Baker reached the
conclusion that as the federal gov
ernment is responsible for the stu
alton which creates the danger OF
internal disorders it also should as
sumo the burden Of providing ade-
ouate protection. Under the policy
he has resolved upon and put into
execution. no State and no private
manufacturer will be called upon to
bear the expense of military police
vo-k. Congress will be asked. it Is
understood. to expedite espionage
legislation in connection with this
phase of the situation.
More Men Needed.
lat the navy department it was
learned that congress also would be
requested to authorize an increase be-
young the $1,000 was trength limit for
enlisted personnel now set. The Or
eanization of great fleets OF subma-
rine chasers will make necessary the
enlistments of many thousand more
men than planned for when the pres
ent act was framed. Every fighting
ship now in the service or soon to be
completed could be manned with 81,
GOO.
The order to recruit to war strength
was signed by President Wilson yes
terday when he and Mrs. Wilson call
ed at Secretary Daniels office. 1t was
not made public. however, until de-
tails for CARRYING it into effect had
been arranged. The recruiting SER