Arizona republican., 1917-04-07

While the men were assembling,
telegraphic orders to contractors in
all parts of the country We're on the
wires providing supplies of every
kind that will be necessary. The
messages were ready for instant dis
patch when Secretary Daniels gave
the word.
Under the call for the reserves,
scores of retired naval officers are
starting to posts previously selected
for them to relieve every active Off
Ger now on shore duty and whose
services can ne spared the active
men will go to the fleets active and
reserve, and to merchant craft al
ready surveyed end 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 mil
lion men in a year and supplying
tfem with full war equipment.
News that the war status had been
proclaimed by President 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 other
thing that can be done at the war
depart ment without congressional ac :
tion is to order the regular army ex
panded TO fun war strength
In his statement, President Wilson
formally set himself on record as
supporting the general staff plans
for the army in every detail, includ ;
ing the provision for seiectiye draft
to obtain men. Later IN the day,
Chairman Dent of the house military
committee called to see Secretary
Baker who will take the staff plar
and its accompanying $4,000. O0o,00o
budget before the committee tomor-
row
The conference had to do with the
draft clause OF the bill, to which con-
siderable opposition is expressed at
the capitol.
AIr. Dent said afterward that he
could not forecast the sentiment of
congress, but that he personally was
prepared to surrender his own OBJ
iections to compulsory service and
90 all in his pcwcT TO secure har-
monv OF action between congress and
the administration.
Il have been opposed always tc
the draft" he said, "cr to conscrip-
tion systems FOR the army and think
il should be invoked only in time of
actual necessity or emergency. How
ever, | shall do what can to keep
the admins tration ana congress in
agreement on the question and t.
avoid, any conflict, especially at the
present time"
Plans have oeen laid Tor calling the
." ~'~on~th Of tho general staff to
Washington to help in administra-
tion of the huge task of army build
ing before the department.
Only half of the authorized strength
of the staff can 6e on duty here
under existing law. Congress is ex-
pected to remedy this at once
Pending 9 decision by congress on
the methods to be employed in rails
ing the army, a detailed scheme for
appointment of new general officers
and getting highly efficient soldiers
in command of each regiment can
not be worked out. The basis fol
this work, however, has been re-
established.
Wide latitude has been left to tho
president in the selection of generals
under the staff plan. They may be
appointed from any paIt of the force
to be raised or from civil life. III
to and including the grade of colonel
however, it is desired by the military
officials that men VINO have had re
cent experience in handling troOD'
shall be selected. So, far as possible
it is proposed to select regular army
officers of experience to head all new
regiments.
With thirty-two infantry and fou
cavalry divisions to be organized
there would be at least 36 major gen
erals and three times that numbe
of brigadiers to be commissioned
with colonels and majors in proper
tion, The grade of major is tn
highest provided for reserve Officers