The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-04-07
could RAISE M
ARMY OF 10000
The President Does Not Need
ANY Authority From Con-
gress, He is Told.
UNIVERSAL TRAINING is URGED
Senator Chamberlain of Oregon Con-
fers With Wilson Regarding Pro
posed Compulsory Service Law.

Washington, March 3O-Plans to for
ward farther preparedness measures
for the army today began to assume
definite form. How an increased
armed force may be promptly secured
for the present emergency as well as
universal training as q national policy
were discussed by President Wilson
with Senator Chamberlain OF Oregon,
chairman of the senate military csm-
mittee- Secretary Baker and admins
tration leaders in congress considered
legislation needed Immediately for the
military establishment.
Senator Chamberlain told the Presi-
dent that he believed the executive
has authority without further action
by congress to raise an army of more
than 100000 men by increasing the
regular army to war strength and call
ing out all the national guard at war
strength with cooperation from state
executives. There was no intimation
that the President was considering
such a step Immediately, but the
whole field Of measures necessary to
secure a larger force was discussed.
For present needs, the war depart
ment, Secretary Baker said, has de-
cided to submit to congress a budget
containing virtually the same provi-
sions as the regular army appropria-
ton bill which failed at the last ses-
sion.
Estimates for the expense of an en-
larged army or any emergency activ-
tiles will be presented later. This de-
cision comedies with the house plan
to re7enact the appropriation bill with
out change and send it at once to the
senate.
To Expedite the Measure.
Senator Chamberlain also agreed to
| expedite the bill in the senate. TIE
this end he said. he would not again
offer his universal training bill as a
rider If it would delay prompt action
on the supply measure.
The conference between the Presi-
| dent and Senator Chamberlain was
| primarily to discuss the senator's uni
Yersal training plan.
After leaving the White House the
senator said he was 'still hopeful OF
administration Endorsement of his
| over prospects of passage by the sen
ate of some form of universal training
measure. Several senators, he said
who formerly opposed the plan now
favor it.
Washington Marking Time.
! Washington, March 29.-It was
learned definitely today that the
American government has no knowl-
edge of any development likely to
come before congress conYenes which
would change the present situation
between the United States and Ger
many.
If Germany contemplates any sort
Of peace move or has considered aban-
doning submarine ruthlessness, or If
| any other nation has a step in mind
designed to alter the present interna-
tionaI status, the government is with
out knowledge of the step.
Except for information concerning
German plots against American inter
ests, it was learned, the public in a
general way knows as much as the
government about everything directly
affecting the present crisis. Concern
ing German intrigues in this and other
| countries the government has much
information which up to the present
it has not thought it wise to make
public
President Wilson today continued
conferences with his advisors prepare
tory to writing the address he will de
liver to congress next week
The administration is said to be
chiefly concerned at present with the
form OF action to be taken by con
gress, recognizing that Germany is
making war on the United States, and
with preparedness measures. Aggres-
siTe steps, while being carefully con
sidered,- are understood to be looked
upon for questions for determination
after congress has defined the status
OF the nation.
The number Of nation guardsmen
called into the federal service for DO
Icing industrial and other strategic
points was brought up to $4,000 under
orders issued today. At the same time
the regular First regiment OF engi
neers, scattered along the Mexican
border, was ordered back to its bar
racks at the capital