The courier-index. (Marianna, Ark.) 1917-current, 1918-07-05
Sl2,OOO,OOO,OOO BILL
FOR ARMY PASSES
BUT SENATE PosTPoNEs Ac.
TloN IN PROVIDING FoR 5000
600 SoLDiERs-5ILL Is A REC
ORD BREAKER.

Washington, June 29.--In passing
the S12, 900 .0OO, 900 army appropria-
| tion bill today the senate emphasized
sentiment for enlarging the army be-
yond the 100000 men provided in
| the measure but declined. while
awaiting the war departments new
expansion program, to direct the
president to raise an army of 5.000,-
00O
After a weeks debate and without
roll call or dissenting voice, the
huge supply measure-a worlds rec
ord breaker--was sent to conference
between the two houses, with a view
to its enactment next Monday, when
the appropriations are needed.
y None of the appropriations for tha
| arry's part in the war for the
financial year ending July 1 was re-
dlced by the Senate Instead it
increased many items. approved with
out changing the house clause CIV
ing the president unlimited authority
to increase the army by further
draft calls and added scores of i'm
portant legislative riders.
A futile effort was made today by
senators desirous OF specifically or
dering an army increase. An amend
ment by Senator McCumber of North
Dakota proposing to direct" the
president to enlarge the army to
5,OOO0 900 enlisted men, as speedily
as equipment and clothing could be
obtained, was rejected As to 10, and
an amendment by Senator Fall OF
New Mexico, proposing an increase
of 100000 men went out viva voce.
Many senators declared In voting
they would only temporarily post
pone action in accord with the War
Departments request for two or
three months time to submit the en-
larged program.
An important amendment added to
the bill today authorizes the presi-
dent to raise a Russian legion In the
United States to be composed OF
friendly aliens of that nationality.
One important amendment agreed
to earlier in the week authorizes the
president to raise a Slavic legion I'm
/ the United States for seryice in ru-
rope, to be recruited with volunteers
representing peoples of slavic blooi
now under the domination of The
Central empires.
Another amendment permits the
training in this country o. soldiers
~f 0kh t-<n - tlax In xf
Central and South America and he
War Department Is authorized to
equip them for service overseas.
This is regarded as paving the way
for active participation In the war
/ by the South American republics.
Among important legislative pro
visions added by the senate to the
bill many of which the House leaders
| already have agreed to accept. are
| the following: 4.
Authorizing the president to organ
ize volunteer Slavic and Russian
legions.
| Proposing the rank of lieutenant
general for Provost Marshal General
Crowder in recognition of his select
i've draft administration.
Providing for training and equip
| ping of foreign troops. designed
especially for the so called pan
American army.
Amending the draft Law to pro-
vide quotas based on the number OF
men in Glass l instead OF on state
populations.
Giving effect to the British-Ameri'
can reciprocal draft treaty and other
| similar conventions which may be
concluded and permanently debar-
ring from American citizenship citi-
zens from neutral nations who have
filed preliminary citizenship applics-
tions and who claim exemption from
the draft
Authorizing. formation OF $780,
600 900 corporation under the Air
craft Board
Providing distinctive badges or
buttons for men discharged from and
rejected for military service.
Authorizing the president to com
mandeer timber and lumber and con
duct timbering operations, proposed
for the aircraft and ship building
! programs.
Providing medals OF honor and dis
| tinguished service crosses and other
/ decorations.
Authorizing officers to buy their
uniforms and equipment from the
government at cost
Providing more general offices and
promotions for the medical corps.