Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-10


washington, April ey-President Will
son threw the weight of his personal
influence in the scales today in an ef-
fort to overcome opposition in con-
gress to the administration army plans
based on the draft system. Summon
ing Chairman Dent Of the house mill
tary committee, now considering the
bin, to the White House, the presi-
dent made It clear that he believes the
safety OF the nation hangs on the &C
ton OF congress In this regard He
viii make q similar exposition of the
military situation tomorrow 30 Repre-
sentative Anthony of Kansas, who has
led opposition to the draft plan among
republican members OF the military
committee
Universal Liability.
In his war address Mr.. Wilson for
ulaily told congress that in his judg
ment the United States must face her
enemy with a certain weapon in the
form OF an army raised by application
OF the principle of universal liability
for military service as a duty of citi-
sued recently q statement approving
in every detail the departmental plans,
which have the unanimous approval OF
the army general staff.
In his action today. however, the
president recognized the fact that
there may develop strong feeling in
congress in favor OF adhering to the
old volunteer system and sought to
bring home to Mr.. Dent. one of those
who hold that view, the lessons to be
drawn from the great war into which
the United States now has been
plunged, and which all point, military
advisers of the government, declare,
to the absolute necessity of facing the
Issue squarely and summoning men to
the colors by draft
Compromise Plan May BE Offered.
A compromise plan may be offered
by the opponents of compulsory SER
was evident In Mr.. Dents committee
before which Secretary Baker and the
military chiefs OF the war department
assembled in full strength during the
policy. There was no indication, how
ever, that q compromise would be ac-
cepted by the president
In the senate debate on conscription
occupied much time during discussion
Of the regular army appropriation bill
left over from last session The ques-
tion is not dealt with in the bill, but
during the debate Senator Kirby Of
thorize the president to call volunteers
in lots Of half a million each. The
amendment is subject to point of or
der and probably will be disposed Of
that way without debate.
No Conclusion Reached.
As a result of Chairman Dents at
titude 1t Is possible that some other
members of the house committee will
present the administration bill If it is
reported The chairman agreed TO in
roduce It 'fby request" which means
that he would take no responsibility
for 1t. As an active and sympathetic
leadership on the floor of the house
win be needed, the task may go to
some other committeeman. While re-
fusing to discuss his conference with
no conclusion was reached.
Controversy Over Conseription.
There is no chance on earth OF the
bill coming out OF the committee in
any form within a week at the least"
he said The main controversy is
There is no question, however, by amy
one as to giving the president all the |
men and money needed to carry on the |
war" |
Discussion of the regular army an
preparation bill had been perfunctory
in the senate until q section autSor-
Izing advertising agencies to obtain /
recruits for the army was reached |
Chairman Chamberlain said it was
considered necessary to get men and
instanced the fact that recruiting for
the national guard had not been sue |
eessfuL
Recruits Flock to National Guard.
Recruits have hocked to national !
German ambassador was sent home"
declared Senator .Wadsworth, ''but now /
hear the war department has sent |
out orders forbidding the guard to ac-
accept recruits"
Senator Nelson, q veteran Of the /
Civil war, declared himself In favor /
Of q call for volunteers.
Would Increase Pay for Privates.
Senator Stone urged an increase in /
the pay OF pFivates to four or f1ve
times the present amount He said
that might increase the army bill a. i
Doc, 900 900 q month, but was worth 1t,
because the men who would go to war
would leave behind dependents.
Baker Firm for Draft.
Before the house COMMITTEES Secre- |,
Gary Baker stood firmly for the general Il
Itan plans II
'tTould you prefer Representative
Ankhony asked, authority to raise q Il
FolunAsar army within so days rather
ban e raise the 100000 under So I