Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1917-03-30
Preparing For War.

body meets next Monday in extraordinary
session to deal with the ruthless subma-
rine warfare being waged by Germany
against American lives and American
shipping.
This became known following a half
hour conference Senator Hitchcock. of Ne
braska, had with the President at the
White House, and from other quarters it
was learned that the President has not
yet begun the writing Of his special mes
sage to Congress on the International stu
alton. and is not likely to do so until the
night before he delivers it.
The cabinet met with President Wilson
to discuss further preparedness measures
for war, the Presidents forthcoming mes
sage and the varying viewpoints in Con-
eress as to what the country should do at
this time of international crisis, learned
from Senator Hitchcock and other con-
eressiOnal leaders.
The conference Senator Hitchcock had
with President Wilson was at the request
Of the Senator. who is the ranking Demo-
cratic member Of the Foreign Relations
Committee next to Chairman Stone, and
who handled the armed neutrality bill
which failed in the Senate when the last
Congress ended because Of a filibuster
against II.
Il became known that there are three
courses under consideration for action by
supporting the armed neutrality policy
Of the government. indorsing everything
President Wilson has ordered done in the
way Of preparedness and the voting of
large cash sums for the conduct of war
with Germany in case war results; second.
a resolution declaring that state of war
exists between Germany and the United
States, and third. resolution declaring
war against Germany for its ruthless acts
against American lives and shipping in
contravention of law and the protests Of
the United States.
Which of these courses will be recon-
mended by the President to Congress in
his message there is no way of knowing.
for the reason that President Wilson has
himself not yet made up his mind as to
what he will ask Congress to do.
The United States Marine Corps needs
more than 1000 men to FIJI up Its ranks
to war strength of II 900 men. The need
is urgent.
An appeal to the press Of the country
TO awaken interest in recruiting the addi-
tional men was issued late Tuesday by
Secretary Daniels following an executive
order by President Wilson authorizing the
increase. The Secretary expressed conf
dence that there would be an immediate
response.
Explaining that the present authorized
maximum strength Of the Marine Corps
was IA, 1851 men. Secretary Daniels said that
more than $4,000 additional men would
have to be recruited to give the Corps
$1,000 bluejeckets and the Marine Corps
the increases necessary.
Every step that is possible to increase
the navy personnel has now been taken
except the calling out of the naval militia.
That arm Of the service will be needed. it
is said, to assist in manning new vessels.
Secretary Baker said no further call on
the National Guard was in prospect. More
than thirty-two regiments have been sum-
moned to federal duty to guard industries or
other property which might be threatened
by internal disorder growing out Of the
German situation.
Mr.. Baker declared that the Government
is planning to deal justly with German
and other foreign subjects resident in the
United States in the event Of war He
was asked specifically If the War Depart
ment was negotiating with the Interior
Department for sites for internment camps.
There is no such plan in contempla-
tion." he replied. "all resident aliens who
are obedient to our laws will be perfectly
safe from interference"
Asked If that applied to German army
reservists. the Secretary said:
ut applies to everybody who is here OF
who may be permitted to come here. and
who behaves In accordance with our laws
while here"
In other quarters il was indicated that
German residents might be registered. in
the event Of war. in order that the govern
ment could have some knowledge of theiI
movements and make certain that no per-
son guilty Of misconduct shall escape JUS
tice.
Another phase of national preparedness
prompted Mr.. Baker to volunteer a sugges-
tion as to the course which men and wom-
en- who are seeking an opportunity to serve
their country might follow Every day
has brought several score letters to his
desk asking how personal service might b.
rendered.
Mr. Baker pointed out that the regular
army, National Guard and Officers Reserve
Corps offered opportunities to men who
desired military service The reserve, he
explained. offered a wide field OF choice
since the staff corps divisions were com.
posed Of men specially trained in civil life
in the work they would perform in wal
times.
In addition to this. the Secretary said
the mobilization of national resources beine
conducted by the council Of national de-
Tense furnishes every man engaged in
business or trade with way to place his
services at the nations disposal. The plan
being worked out. he added. was the
coordination Of every industry so that the
government, through small committee OF
organization, could put its hands upon any
part Of the widespread activities. He
urged that men get into touch with their
associates in trade so that the committee
groups would be able to speak for all ele-
ments Of any trade or industry when the
time came for government service.
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