South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-04-07
OF
NAVY UNDER WAY
President Urges Enactment of
Bill Calling For a
Large Army.

WASHINGTON, April Meas
ures 10 make ready for actual hos
tilities with Germany wen. forward
swiftly Friday at the war and navy
departments, and Pres't Wilson is
sued a statement urging the prompt
enactment of the general STATS army
plans 10 be taken up saturday by
the house military committee.
Complete mobilization Of the navy
was ordered by Sec'y Daniels i'm
mediately after the cabinet meet
ing. The naval militia and naval
reserve totalling nearly $4,000 men,
will join the colOrs within two or
three days.
Mobilization means the immediate
organization of the coast patrol SER
vice and the taking over of the
swift, privately owned motor craft
already enrolled. Volunteer crews
for these boats will be called out
also. While the men were assem-
bling. Geographic orders to contrac-
tors In all parts of the country were
on the wires providing supplies of
every kind. that will be necessary.
The messages were ready for instant
despatch when Sec'y Daniels gave
the word.
Use Retired Officers.
Under the call for the reserves,
scores of retired naval officers are
starting to posts previously selected
for them 10 relieve every active Of
ficer now on short duty and whose
services can be spared. The active
men Will go to the fleets. active and
reserve. and TO merchant craft al
ready surveyed and listed and to be
drafted into the federal service.
In the war department further
moves toward mastering a great
army await action by congress.
Every preliminary step already has
been taken, however. TO carry out
the project Of raising and training
million men in a year and supply
ing them with full war equipment
News that the war status had been
proclaimed by Pres't Wilson was
flashed TO army and navy posts and
ships throughout the world as soon
as the war resolution was signed at
the White house. The only thing that
can be done at the war department
without congressional action is to or
der the regular army expanded to
full war strength.
Favors Plans.
In his statement, Pres't Wilson
formally set himself on record as
supporting the general staff plans
for the army in every detail, in
Guiding the provision for selective
draft TO obtain men. Later in the
day. Chairman Dent, of the house
military committee. called 10 see
Sec'y Baker, who will take the staff
plan and it's accompanying $4,000.
GOO. 900 budget before the commit
tee Saturday.
The conference had to do with the
draft clauses of the bill. to which
considerable opposition is expected
at the capital. Mr. Dent said after
ward that he could not forecast the
sentiment of congress, but that he
personally was prepared to surren-
der his own objections to compulsory
service and do all in his power TO
secure harmony Of action between
congress and the administration.
Il have been opposed always to
the draft" he said. "or TO conscrip
ton systems for the army and think
il should be invoked only in time of
actual necessity or emergency. How
ever, ! shall do what I can TO keep
the administration and congress in
agreement on the question and 10
avoid any conflict, especially at the
present time"
Call i'm Officers.
Plans have been laid for calling
the fulI strength Of the general staff