South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-04-09
Congress is Expected to Pass
Series of War Measures
Within the Next
Fortnight.
MILITIA AND REGULARS
TO BE ON WAR FOOTING
Bond Issue Which will Enable
u. S. to Lend Allies Two
and Half Billion Will
be Passed.
international News Service:

International News Service:
WASHINGTON. April g. De-
velopments Of the fourth day Of the
war centered on Sapitol Hin. There
congress got down to business to
supplement its authorization TO the
president to accept Germany's war
challenge. It had before it in its
several committees the legislation
which will mobilize all of the man
and money resources of the nation
10 make the nation the most power
full factor in the great world Of con-
flict
Briefly summarized congress-
within the next fortnight, hopes TO
provide:
Nations lization of the state mill
tia; bringing it and the regular es-
Enlistment to war strength: crea-
ton Of vOlunteW army Of 100000
men with provision for the raising
Of similar units as fast as training
facilities are available.
Add 20 Navy's Strength.
Increasing the strength of the
navy and marine corps so that it
will be able TO undertake offensive
and defensive operations against
Germany
Authorization of bond issue
which will enable the United States
to extend a credit Of S2,5OO, 600, 600
TO the entente, especially France
and Russia. while expending a sim
liar sum TO perfect its own military
esta blishment.
Perfection Of a new system of
taxation TO permit the nation to. in
part pay as il goes which will
raise a billion and three-quarters
and two billion dollars annually.
An espionage system which will
end German anti-American activity
in this country and provide for the
arrest of aliens and German sympa-
thizers, who are plotting against the
government.
A system Of conservation which
viii enable the nation TO prevent
waste of all commodities, especially
fOodstuffs.
viii Draft Mechanics.
A system Of cOnscription to apply
10 skilled labor and especially train
ed men in every walk IN life whose
services will increase efficiency and
hasten the conclusion Of the war.
Cooperation between the entente
and the United States in the form
of operation Of government ship
lines and providing for adequate in
surance so that the German sub
marine attempts 10 starve the en-
tente will be rendered impotent
II was admittedly a cOmprehen-
sive program which the congress
faced when ii resumed its sessions
today. but. the administration forces
are in control and speedy action is
looked for Meanwhile. the other
branches Of the government were
running at top speed with their
work Of preparation. Especial in
terest is felt in the operations OF
the navy. now modified and carry
ing out the program laid down by
its experts on strategy.
Fleet il Cooperating.
It is stated that the fleet is CO.
operating with the fleets Of France
and Great Britain in the steps being
taken 70 safeguard shipping and 20
end as soon as possible the German
menace. In this connection. il is
explained by officials OF the navy
that while IL is absolutely necessary
10 enshroud with absolute secrecy
all Of the operations Of the vessels
, steps will be taken 20 inform the
public OF any developments that are
OF great importance. And in this
connection. the navy department
again took occasion today 70 stamp
as utterly untrue rumOrs circulated
fin certain cities that certain units OF
the fleet had met with accidents.
Every vessel in commission is in
perfect condition. II was stated
While reports Of the presence Of
raiders continue 20 come into Wash
| ington, nearly all that have been in
vestiged up 20 the present time have
proven untrue The location OF the
/ so-called raiders was shifted south
ward today but officials said that
they did not regard them with great
| credence. However. all reports are
Investigated carefully and nothing is
being left TO chance.