New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-11
will Make 500, 900 LA
ble for Six Months
Military Drill
TOO WEAK, VIEW
OF ARMY STAFF
Measure Favorably Re-
ported, but Not Expected
TO Pass This Session

Washington, Feb. 10.-The Senate
n,btsry committee reported favorably
,o.dsy a bill framed by d sub-commit-
80 creating q military and naval clti-
,.p reserve force based on universal
Military training and service.
While the committee report does not
indicate any belief that Congress will
A., on the measure at this session, the
Ill brings to a definite head the uni
v.r,al training discussion Of the last
few months and offers a specific plan
On which public sentiment can crystal
Ire.
The bill requires six months train
ing without pay for all youths in their
nineteenth year. Exemptions are con-
er.J 10 the members Of the regular
army and navy, those physically unit,
hose who are the sole support Of de-
oorG,at relatives, and those affiliated
rr5 religious creeds which forbid
.bem 10 bear arms. The last named
class is liable, however, for training in
,se non-combatant branches of the
army.
3l65,000 Men in Nine Years
Il is estimated the bill would pro-
uds fcr the training Of 100000 boys
annually. each Of whom would be fur
laughed into reserve for nine years
after training. Allowing for shrinkage
AZ classes, due 70 various causes, as
he wears pass, this plan would give at
be end of the first nine years total
force Of S.l65, 900 men, all subject TO
.u for service only in the event of a
Extensive war or the imminence
hereof
The bill disagrees with the theory
Of the army General staff as 20 the
snount Of training necessary to make
soldier fl 70 90 on the battle lines,
although il contemplates about the
total strength proposed By staff OH
GERS. A year Of intensive instruction
tss been declared by Major General
Scott, the Chief of staff. to be the
minimum Of safety for even defen-
siye soldiers.
A universal training bill. carrying
The Endorsement Of virtually the en-
tire membership Of tie General staff
and based on a years drill, is almost
ready for final submission to Secre-
,ary Baker and the President. Neither
Official has committed himself on the
principle Of universal training.
Prison Penalty for Evasion
The committee measure. which is
based on that prepared by Major
AOseley, formerly OF the army Gen
sIsl staff. fixes military training as
iu.y Of citizenship, denying naturali-
zstiOn until training has been begun
or exemption granted. All govern
nent employment would be closed TO
hose who could not produce certif-
eates OF training or exemption, and
private employers would be similarly
prohibited from employing any man
Eho had evaded his military training.
a blanket penalty, with maximum
Of $1,000 fine and a years imprison-
nent for each offence, is provided for
reiation OF the act, except that those
"so svads training when liable for
y must serve longer time.
For nine years, or until he had
passed his tventy-eighth year, each
seservist would be required TO repor.
is person annually 70 the registration
authorities OF mis- military district. In
ease Of w4r the youngest classes
would be called hrst. After his twen-
.y-eighth year reseryist would pass
nto the great body Of the morgan
zed militia, subject only TO the gen.
srsl laws.
,No Change in National Guard
The bill provides no organization
siter the troops leave training. but the
ftetioent IL gwen wide latitude IN TINS
yard No changes in the present Ma
"orz! Guard system are provided for'
Tanning would be in military DIS
lhe's comprising single states or
sfoaDs o. small states.
Eegistrstion and medical examining
cards for each district also would be
1epeiEted BY the President. the word
p ne medical board zs 20 physical iit-
-tss 20 D. tnal, while action OF the
ezttrstcn boards on exemptions
a De appealed 70 the Federal district
.oef1. Youths liable for training
soald be required 70 report themselves
% Be reported by parents or guard
70 encourage preliminary military
ssing' such a. that given Ia schools.
oli % maximum OF three months,
ons-hsif the required period. might
allowed The applicant could elect
army or navy service. his wishes
CARED out ss nearly as posi- bic.
elne prohibition is made against the
sG ne force in strikes or other in
'''trial ditDuts.
Civilian Army To p. "Dry"
pmesrs and enlisted men Of the reg
- ssrviess could be commissioned IN
ovlhsn army, but would receive the
~ 81 their grades only while on ne.
a1,y not during training periods.
,,7lslon also y made for conmis
''ns volunteer officers. sejeeted by
"ssssssd ss Psss 4. esIssnn