Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-04-08
ARMY PLAN PUT
UP TO CONGRESS
Anthony, Republican of Kan
sas, Only Man to Openly
Voice Opposition.
HINTS AT OBJECTION SEEN
Members of House Committee
Suggests Other Methods,
But Baker Is Firm.

WASHINGTON, April THE ad-
ministration took before congress to-
day its plea that the war army be or
ganized along the lines laid down by
the general staff after an exhaustive
study as meeting the demands of
sound military principle.
At an executive session of the house
military committee Secretary Baker
speaking for the executive branch of
the government charged with prose-
cution of the war. made an earnest
appeal for quick passage of the war
department bill providing for the
training of an army of six million men
raised by selective conscription within
the next year, Several members of the
committee questioned the secretary
closely regarding the bill. but the only
real show of opposition to the admin
istration plan was an announcement
tonight by Representative Anthony
of Kansas, a Republican committee
man, that he would not support COM
pulsory service.
Details Up Monday.
Detailed consideration of the meas
ure will be taken up Monday when
Mr.. Baker. supported by Major Cen
eral Scott, chief Of staff and other
high officers OF the department, will
outline the plan for raising the army
OF million In year to be followed
up at an accelerated rate by the train
ing Of as many more as may be need
ed. The secretary assured the commit
tee that 1t was the judgment OF the
entire military arm of the govern
ment, OF himself and of President
Wilson. that to accomplish this pur-
mi nj ~ mil M
from the very outset.
Administration Firm.
Members of the committee sug-
gested various methods of providing
an army by voluntary service and Mr..
Baker pointed out that ample pro-
visions were made in the administra-
tion bill for absorption of all volun-
teers of suitable age and physical quail
ifications in the first elements Of the
army to be raised, the regulars and
the national guard. He indicated that
the face Of the administration was
firmly set against any proposal to en-
list volunteer organizations as com
panies, regiments or brigades or other
units. There Is no place In modern
army, he insisted, for such forces.
When committee members pointed out
that many men We're offering their
services provided they could go
quickly to European battlefields, the
secretary replied that the plans OF the
department were to design an army.
no element of which would be con-
sidered ready for actual conflict within
year.
1t was made clear, however, that
with state of war existing, absolute
jurisdiction over the use to which the
armed forces will he put lies with the
commander-in-ch chief-the president.
Under the constitution he must deter
mine what military policy is dictated
by the needs of the military situation
that confronts him.
School for Officers.
The secretary made it plain that the
administration regards its immediate
task as that of creating a great mill
tary school for the training of officers
and men who will In turn train the
half million increments of selective
concsripts to>be called later. Every
man will be given an opportunity to
show his worth in this preliminary
force, il was stated. but the admins-
tration is resolved that only those who
demonstrate their fitness shall retain
their commissions or be passed on to
office in the new armies.
Rigid processes of selection are to
be applied during the preliminary
months.