The sun., 1918-03-13
CASUALTYLIST
GAG ASSAILED
Bitter Criticism of War De-
partment's Policy Expressed
in House.
IT Is CALLED UNWlSE
Subject Discussed in Cabinet
Meeting-PrOtest Sent
From South.
IT Is CALLED UNWISE
Special Despatch to THE SuS.

WASHINGTON, Marcn 1E.-Ihe QueS.
ton Of the suppression OF all but the
bare names OF American soldiers killed,
wounded and missing from the United
States expeditionary forces III France
here to-day
In the Cabinet meeting the subject
was discussed. although not at length.
as the President has been informed that
Gen Pershing will make supplement
tary report on the subject In both
houses Of Congress the subject was kept
very much alive.
Bitter criticism of the War Depart
ments new policy of suppressing casu-
atty addresses was expressed In the
House. Several members declared the
policy was unwise and unnecessary.
II cannot see." said Representative
Mckenzie Ullinois), what difference 1t
would make to the Kaiser or Won Hin
denburg or Won LudendorfY or any great
German General to know that John
Smith Of Elizabeth. ILL.,. was killed in
front OF their lines il the regiment were
not named.
Felt 1t Was q Mistake.
when this order was issued I felt
as l believe every member Of the House
felt, that it was a mistake and that in
stead of doing the thing expected 1t
would only aggravate the situation"
Representatives Gillett and Little sup
ported MIR. Mckenzie. while Representa-
tives Glass (Virginia) and Garrett (Ten-
nessee) upheld the War Department
do you imagine that the French Gov
ernment after three years experience
would have made this request idy?' Mr..
Glass asked Mr.. Mckenzie.
II do not" MIR. Mckenzie replied
Leaving off the name of the regiment
is. of course. wise regulation, but !
cannot see how merely printing a SOL
dier's home address affects the safety of
other Americans in France. On the other
hand. uncertainty that will do meal
culable harm will sweep our nation"
There ought to be no uncertainty"
said Representative Glass, 'if the people
will Just understand that the nearest of
kin are always apprised by the War De-
partment"
rs 1t not possible" Republican Leader
Gillett asked. that a mother seeing only
the name of her son in a casualty list
would suspect that the War Department
had failed to notify her? Friends In all
parts of the country would be anxious
too"
Too Much Publicity.
my own view is that there has been
too much publicity in these matters" re-
piled Mr.. Glass.
The Senate Military Committee. which
meets tomorrow. will be asked to con-
slider the resolution introduced last Sat-
urday by Senator New calling on the
War Department for an explanation OF
the cessation of publication OF casualty
lists as heretofore. The committee has
other duties tomorrow. namely. the re-
consideration OF the bill communicating
the national timber supply which has
been recom,nitted for further considera.
ton. but the New resolution, It is urged.
will take little time and will probably be
reported favorably.
Senator Frelnghuysen ~. J) had n
resolution on the same subject all ready
for introduction, as did Senator Nickel
lar (Tenn), but both Will withdraw their
resolutions and support Senator News.
Senator McKellar received to-day a
strong protest from his home city, Mem
phis, in which the War Department S
policy was denounced