The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-02-20


rers have been compelled to resign
their commissions since the outbreak
of war because they could not support
themselves and families on the salaries
received Many others, whose services
would be of great value to the country
III the present crisis, have not put on
uniforms for the same reason.
The statement that the bill will be
enacted is made because it has the sup
port Of the war department as we'll as
the support of many of the leaders in
the legislative branch of the govern
ment. Secretary of War Baker, how
ever, saw the fairness Of the argument
only q short time ago. Late last Sep
TENDER in the closing days OF the spe-
cial session of congress, Senator New
of Indiana introduced an amendment
to the war risk insurance bin provid-
ing for payment of communication as it
is now provided for in the bin report
ed by the senate committee on mill
tarv affairs. He went to Secretary
Baker at that time and urged the ac-
ceptance of the principle. Mr.. Baker
not only declined to approve it, but
exerted the influence of his department
against the amendment when it was
considered. Since that time the secre-
tarv has changed his view, for he has
sent a three page letter to the military
committee advocating the passage of
the committee s bill. 1t may be said
| in passing that the secretary, in his
| letter to the committee, employed cx-
actlv the argument used by Senator
New when he attempted months ago te
| get the secretary to approve the prin-
| ciplc
The actual debate on the bill may in.
clude the question of an increase in
| salaries for all officers, who are being
paid today under a schedule framed un-
| der conditions existing in 1908. Con
gress, i'll adopting the schedule of 1908
purpo3elv made the salaries compare
| lively low so the officers might receive
communication for quarters, heat anj
light. 1t is interesting to note tha'
government statisticianS have estimat
ed that since 1913 living expenses have
| increased 43 per cent. Officers have
many bills TO meet. The minimum cos
OF articles required by regulations to
tails $646 At least one-half of al
officer equipment must be replace
each year. Officers also are required /,
furnish their own food which add
about $3.50 month. He also mus
| have bed linen, and his laundry bill
viii approximate s. a month All o
these matters have been considered b,
war department officials and the mill
tary experts in congress and they ar
agreed that it viii be only fair to gran
communication to officers in the field an
that the question of increasing salarie
Is debatable at least.
Great has been the increase sine
the war in the number of chaplains i
the army; it Will be more than double
by summer and possibly trebled befor
1919. Including the numbers recent
. appointed, there are approximately s.
chaplalnS in the service TODAY and tn
total will be increased with the pa
sage of expected legislation permittin
appointment Of one chaplain for e,
cry 1900 officers and men Secretar
/ Baker, anticipating the enactment
, the bill, has signed an order approvin
, the establishment Of a school for chal
| lains at Fort Monroe It is deeme
t wise III the department to give It
ministers to be appointed special trail
. ing for their work, for the duties
r ehaplainS differ in many respects fro
. the duties of ministers in civil If
r The training school to be establisht
T. will give the appointees a knowledg
he of military law, international law, mil
u tary science and tactics, hygiene al
T. other things aiding an appointee to b
). come soldier and chaplain.