Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-07

Washington, April 6.-Measures to make ready for actual hostilities with. Germany went forward swiftly today at the war and navy departments, and President Wilson issued a statement, urging the prompt enactment of the general stars army pans, to 6e taken, up tomorrow by the house military committee.
 Complete Mobilization of Navy. | Complete mobilization of the navy was ordered by Secretary Daniels i'm. mediately after the cabinet meeting. The naval militia and naval reserve, totalling nearly 15.000 men, will join the colors within two or three days. Every preliminary arrangement has been made.
 Mobilization means the immediate organization of the coast patrol service
 and the taking over of the swift, pri- vately owned motor craft already en- rolled. Volunteer crews for these boats will be called out also, While he
 men were assembling, telegraph or ders to contractors in all parts of the country were on the wires providing supplies of every kind that will be necessary. The messages were 3y | for instant despatch when Secretary Daniels gave the word. Retired Officers to do Shore Duty. Under the call for the reserves | scores of retired naval officers are starting to posts previously select ed TOT them to relieve every active OfTlcer | now on shore duty and whose services can be spared. The active men will go to the fleets, active and reserve, and to merchant craft already surveyed and listed and to be drafted into the federal service.
 In the war department further moves toward mastering great army await action by congress. Every preliminary | step already has been taken. however. | to carry out the project of raising and training a million men in a year, ard | supplying them with full war equip | ment.
 | War Strength of Army. l News that the status had been pro- l claimed by President Wilson was flashed to army and navy posts ard
 ships Throughout the world as soon as | the war resolution was signed at tie White House. The only other thing | that can be done at the war depart
 ment without congressional action is | to order the regular army expanded to | full war strength.
 Tn his statement President Wilson 1 formally set himself on record as supporting the general staff plans for the army in every detail, including ke | provision for selective draft to obtain
 men. Later in the day Chairman Dent
 of the house military committee called
 to see Secretary Baker. who will take | the stan plan and it's Accompanying $3, 100000 budget before the committee 1 tomorrow.
 Draft Clauses of Bill. The conference had to do with ihe l draft clauses of the bill to which con- siderable opposition is expected at the capitol Mir. Dent said afterward that he could not forecast the sentiment of congress, but that he personally was prepared to surrender his own objec- tions to compulsory service and do all in his power to secure harmony of l action between congress and the ad- minfstratiOn
 T have been opposed always to the draft" he said, Tor to conscription systems for the army. and think 1t should be invoked only in time of actual necessity and emergency. How ever. I shall do what I can 10 keep the administration and congress fin agreement on the question and to avoid
 any conflict. especially at the present time" To Call General Staff to Washington. Plans have been laid for calling tEe full strength of the general staff to Washington to help in administration of the huge task of army building be- fore the department. Only half of ihe
 authorized strength of the staff can now Joe on duty here under existing law. Congress is expected to remedy this at once. however.
 Pending a decision by congress on the methods to be employed in raising the army, a detailed scheme for ap- pointment of new general officers and getting highly efficient soldiers in com
 mand of each regiment cannot be
 worked out. The basis for this work,
 however, already has been established
 by the stan.
 Wide Latitude Left to the President.
 Wide latitude has been left to the president in the selection of generals
 under the staff plan. They may be appointed from any part of the forces
 to be raised or from civil life. Up to
 and including the grade of colonel however, it is desired by the military officials that men who have had re- cent experience in handling troops shall be selected.
 Thirty six Major Generals.
 With thirty-two infantry and four
 cavalry divisions to be organized, there would be at least tllirty-six ma Jor generals and three times that num-
 ber of brigadiers to be selected and commissioned, with colonels and ma jors in proportion. The grade of major Is the highest provided for reserve officers and that of captain for the provisional list of enlisted men. Sixteen Training Centers. The creation of sixteen training