The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-03-22
Preparing to Use Army and
Navy-Has the Men but
Not the Boats.
ARMY NEEDS MEN MORE
THAN EXTRA SUPPLIES
Bids for Submarine Chasers
in-Plans for Enlistment
Of Women Go on.

washington, NarCn gl.'-NaSat prep
aratons for war were marked by in
creased activity today with the ad-
vanccment to April of the date Of the
extra session of congress. No actual
war steps were taken by either the war
or navy departments. but there were
many indications that preliminary
PLANS have been worked out for rapid
rehabilitation for both services If the
call comes.
The navys task is simple. Its prob
lens are those of material rather than
personnel. At most little more than
100000 men would be required for
manning every available ship or scout
ing craft. They could be obtained al
most overnight by mobilization Of the
naval militia and the various sections
of the naval reserves supplemented
with volunteers. Only highly aCaincd
officers would be lacking.
Army Needs Men.
Tho army's problem is just the re-
verse. 1t Is men that will be needed
and no definite step toward securing a
great force for training can be taken
until congress expresses It's will. Full
equipment can be obtained long before
the men arc ready to use 1t.
Steps actually taken by tho navy to-
day included the advancement OF, the
date Of opening bids for additional de-
stroycrs and notification to ship build
ers that their full plant capacity would
be utilized in this work. There Is no
way of estimating how many can be
built. Secretary Daniels said every
available plant would be utilized to It's
utmost. The builders will present their
figures next Saturday and awards will
be made Immediately.
Bids for Chasers.
Bids for the first large consignment
of no. foot submarine chasers or coast
patrol boats were also received to-
day, but will he held confidential until
Wednesday when 100 additional build
ers are expected to submit figures. The
navy hopes to find facilities available
for more than 200 boats, the first of
them to be delivered in two or three
months. Meanwhile the work of sur
veying private yachts and motor craft
Is being pressed in every naval district
and enrolment of volunteers to man
the boats proceeds rapidly.
The department has no present in
tention of taking over merchant craft
for naval use, Secretary Daniels said
tonight, amplifyiny earlier assurances
given to American ship owners by
Chairman Denman of the shipping
board.
All American merchant ships, how
ever. have been surveyed and clnssi-
fled by the naval officers for possible
placed aboard the trans Atlantic craft
were destined originally to arm the
auxiliary cruisers. withdrawn from
merchant fleets for that purpose. Other
vessels were classified us golfers, sup
ply ships or transports as they were
officers of these ships have enrolled as
reserve naval officers and would ac-
company their vessels in the govern
mcnt service,
Women to Enroll.
Orders to enroll women for nurse
work In time OF war as u part OF the
naval reserve forces were sent out to-
day to comma ndants of naval districts
and recruiting officers.
Details for tho enlistment of women
as clerks. typists radio operators and
for similar positions, so that the men
occupying such places may be relieved
of shore duty and used to strengthen
the sea forces, already lfayc. been con-
templatcd.
Senator Chamberlain chairman of
the senate military committee and II
staunch advocate of universal military
training and service as n national
policy. called on Secretary Baker to-
day to announce that he would rein
troducc at the coming session II meas
urc to that end. He sought suggestions
as to the form Of universal service
which might meet the secretary's ap-
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