Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-05
CUBA IS FOR some FORM
OF COMPULSORY SERVICE
Congress VIII BE Urged to Author re
Either Conscription or Sclcc-
tive Draft.
SESSION WILL BEGIN TO-DAY
Raising and Equipment of Strong
Military Force In Near Future
Await Only Determination of
Method to BE Followed.
IRy Arsoelatcd prcss.l


HAVANA, November 4--The Cuban
Congress. which convenes tomorrow.
will be urged to authorize either con-
scriptlon or selectiye draft. The
raising and equipment in the near
future OF strong military force. in
line with President Mcnocars recon-
mendations In his last message, and
with tho plan of Cuba's Council OF Ma
tional Defense. await only the determ-
ination Of the method to be follow Cd
rather than the wisdom of the policy
of General MenOcal and his advisers,
VITO are determined that Cuba's ALT
ancc In tho war against Germany shall
take on most active character. Lead.
ers OF both political parties are IN
accord concerning the raising Of iarg o
military force. possibly doubling the
present strength Of the regular army
and militia of more than $4,000 men,
nnf similar strengthening OF naval
units and personnel. Whatever differ
cnces exist on tho eve of the session
are az to CONSUMPTION or it's alterua-
tive. A public demonstration OF loyalty
TO Cuba's allies Is expected when the
members OF Congress take their seats
Whatever tho character OF the mill
tary measure TO be enacted, all indica-
tons are for speedy action. The atti-
tGde OF the Conservatives. the party in
power, which at first was lukewarm to-
ward universal service, has become
moro and more pronounced in Its favor.
and statements OF the leaders Indicate
no opposition TO the increase of Cuba's
war strength. Tho Liberals. on the
other hand, have no program OF op-
position and the administration press
halls CONSUMPTION or the 4elective draft
as omen of Cuba's loyalty and OF
her national Integrity.
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE
BY PRESIDENT 1ENOCAL
After reviewing the various organic
laws of Cuba relating to military meas
ures. President Menocars recommends
lions are:
The task of enlisting and mobiliz-
ing the militia OF 900 men last Feb
ruary permits the hope that the rails
Ing OF large army necessary for the
carrying on the war against the i'm
perial German government will give re-
suits no less favorable Referring to
the Increased responsibilities Of Cuba
as an ally In the war, President Memo
calls message adds:
For all these things voluntary en-
listment was insufficient. As had hap
pcncd In all parts Of the world when
i, was necessary to enlarge the service.
so In England and the United States.
a complete change in the tradition and
custom was obligated. In our republic
voluntary enlistment always encoun-
tered more obstacles than In these great
nations. and ] consider It my duty to
recommend TO the Congress the i'm
mediate adoption OF the only means by
which we Will be able to overcome
the difficulties quickly--the imposition
OF obligatory military service. based on
Il system of selection. as was recently
Instituted in tho United States"
IN addition to increasing the Cuban
army and navy. the Congress is ex-
Dected to discuss tic wisdom of IN
amnesty measure AMI parliamentary
form OF government.