New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-19

WASHINGTON. Dec. 1S.-ln response
to a Senate resolution asking whether
there are War Department rules and
regulations 10 prevent social inter
course between officers and men OF the
army. Secretary Baker to-day wrote
President Marshall that distinc-
tions of rank in the army imply no so
cial distinction and are solely in the
interest of military discipline.
Frequently in a country like this, the
Secretary said, the advantage of educa-
ton and culture is in favor Of the sol
der. Nevertheless, he added, safety
demands that the soldier and officer
acquire by continuous and unvarying
nractice the habit Of instant obedience
to his superior.
Mr.. Bakers letter follows:
81 have the honor to acknowledge re.
ooin, of a resolution in the Senate Oh
tho limited States under date OF De-
cember II, 1917, directing me to inform
the United States Senate 'what, II any
ruIes or regulations there are OF the
War Department which prevent othcers
from having intercourse with prlVa'es
and mingling with them in social lhter-
course. or which tend TO caste distlnc-
tion between enlisted men and commls,
stoned officers when they are on duty
ain response thereto ! submit Tor inc
information Of the Senate or the Chlteu
States the following paragraph OF army
regulations in regard to the reiatloh-
shin between officers and enlisted men
as the only rule or regulation no" eN-
isting relative 10 this matter;
"'Superiors ar. forbidden TO inJure
those under their authority by tyrannl-
cal or capricious conduct r by abusive
language. While maintaining discipline
and tho thorough and prompt perform
ance of military duty, all officers, IN
dealing with enlisted men, Will pear IN
mind the absolute necessity OF so treat
ing them SO as to prestrve their sell
respect.
"Oficcrs will keep in as close touch
as possible with the men under their
command. will strive to build up such
relations of confidence and sympathy
as will insure the free approach OF
their men to them for counsel ana
assistance. This relationship may De
gained and maintained without relaxa,
tion of the bonds OF discipline and
with great benefit TO the service as
whole. -,
an this paragraph will be seen an
endeayor TO arrive at true oalance
in the proper relationship between ON
GERS and enlisted men on the one manu-
TO encourage an exchange OF confidence
and cooperation between the oHlcer anu
the soldier and on the other 10 avoIu
nersonal intimacies between an oHcer
and any particular soldier or soldieIs
which might have tendency 10 leau
IN favoritism or the suspicion OF Ia
voritism in assignments for duties Oh
cause discomfort on the part Oh thoSe
not selected for special intimacy by the
officer in question.
"AIl officers are expected 10 so eAel
else their judgment under TINS reguIs-
tion as at all times TO enjoy INC syI,
pathy. confidence and respect OIL .ne
soldiers. and it has always been pa. pal
of the instructions given young JIM.
by their superiors to exert
10 promote this relationship.
"Distinctions OF rank IN tne amp
arc solely in the interests OF lhe nliI
;tarv discipline. They imply no so Ia
distinctions; indeed, IN eouu;IS "a
ours, the advantage of education lo snG
culture will very frequently De lGtT 10
in favor Of the soldier; and yet !. "a "a
necessary that the soldier snoG "a
acquire by continuous and unvS 5isI my
nractice the habit of instant ooeaienoee
70 his superior. This is as true u
officers as it is Of men. .ro n.hen
"In the emergency oil battle, 49, 49,
every condition tends to dlstr ror, me-, eiJe
attention and peril Is on evety ~, los
safety for a command ireq rnardina ted d
o1ly in It's organized and cooru'""'''