Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1917-04-04
RUSHING WAR PLANS
Congress Clears Way for Action
Navy Ready to Engage in Action
When Word is Given.

aggressive hostilities against Ger
many, are being rushed forward by
the administrative branch of the
Government and only await action
by CONGRESS- on war resolution to
be put into execution.
Enactment of the resolution not
later than Thursday is confidently
forecast at the Capitol after de-
Law of "a hours, caused in the Sen
ate by Senator La Follette's objec-
ton to it's immediate consideration.
Debate will begin in both houses
today, with action before adjourn
ment probable. Sentiment in favor
of the resolution is almost unani-
nous and the only question is how
much time shall be devoted to
speechmaking.
President Wilson and his Cabinet
went over the war plans at two
hour session yesterday and previ-
ously the National Defense Council,
with its civilian advisory commission
and several subsidiary organizations
developed policies and details Of
momentous consequence to the ma
tion. Meanwhile, the War and Navy
Departments were going ahead with
the most immediate preparations
for defense.
Already the navy has taken steps
to insure cooperation between the
American fleet and those of the
Entente Allies, to become effective
upon the formal entry of the United
States into the war. The most i'm
portant plans under preparation by
the Administration include:
Enlistment by selective conscrip-
tion of young men for national
army in addition to the regular es-
tablishment and National Guard
in incrcments of 100000 until
enough men have been trained to
make certain the defeat of Ger
many.
Rapid provision of adequate
means of combating the submarine
menace.
The raising of a very large sum Of
money, as much as possible to be OBJ
tanned by taxation, and the definite
amount Of the first budget not to be
fixed until the exact needs of the
army and navy and of the Entente
Allies are ascertained.
Purchase of supplies and equipment
of all kinds for the army under the
provision of law which allows the
Secretary of War to fix reason
able price," and
Division cf the young men of the
country into service classes, those
needed more in industries than in the
army. or navy to receive insignia
showing they are performing duty
equivalent to fighting.
For War to the Hit
Most of these plans will require the
authorization of Congress, but from
opinions expressed at the Capitol it
is believed that once the war resolu-
tion is adopted further legislation to
empower the executive branch to go
full speed ahead will follow quickly.
There is every indication that the
nation, through its representatives,
will follow out President Wilson's
words to Congress and exert all its
power and employ all its resources to
bring the Government of the German
empire to terms and end the war"
Bids for Big Guns In.
Bids were opened at the War De-
partment yesterday for 16-inch rifles
to go in the coast defenses. The
Bethlehem Steel Company was the
only bidder, offering two or four guns
complete at S225,0O0 each, or without
breach mechanism at $215,0oo each.
These guns are part of the new coast
defense program approved by Con-
gresS year ago.
Busy at Departments.
The corridors of the War and Navy
Departments were busy today, and
an air of suppressed excitement pre-
vailed in all Offices. Immediate pre-
parations must be made to double or
treble the clerical forces OF both de-
partments to meet the coming strain.
New quarters must be found to house
the new civil elements. Buildings
near the State, War and Navy struc-
ture are being looked over for this
purpose.
Draft to be Selective.
Administration plans for raising ar
army on the principle of universe