The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-05-02
Baker Asks Congress
To Take Limit off
Number Men for Army

Washington, May 2-Secretary
Baker at a hearing today before the
house military affairs committee, in
confidential session, asked that con-
gress grant unlimited power for the
creation of an army OF whatever
size necessary for the prosecution Of
the war. He told the committee
that it would be ill-advised to re-
strict the number OF men to be util-
lied and that the size OF the army
should be increased in the discre-
tlon OF the government, as transport
tation and equipment facilities war
rant.
Secretary Baker indicated he
would submit a proposed measure,
probably as an amendment TO the
draft law, TO grant the unlimited
authority asked. Under the exist
ing draft law, as construed by Chair
man Dent of the military committee
ard others, there is authority for
use OF only 100000 men under
draft Mr.. Dent yesterday intro
duced a bill to authorize a draft
total of 100000 men, which, with
volunteers already in the service,
would make an ultimate possible
maximum strength OF 100000 men.
Secretary Baker was questioned
by the committee regarding his
views to increasing the draft age.
lie said he was studying the sub
jcct and had made no decision.
The house military committee will
Immediately resume consideration
OF the annual army appropriation
bill and Secretary Bakers idea is
that it shall provide only for the .
number Immediately forescen.
Indications are that it will carry !
provision for equipment, transporta
ton, pay and other expenses OF ap-
proXimately 100000 men, as part
not OF a specific program but as a
furtherance OF a blanket plan in
Volving use of all or part of the
funds appropriated and supplement-
al appropriations later on as their
need may become apparent.
Washington, May 2.-Accompa-
nicd by Provost Marshal General
Ciowder and General March, act
ing chief OF staff, Secretary Baker
before the house military
committee today and presented the
administrations plans for greatly
increased army.
The army appropriation bill has
been held by the committee for
months awaiting the return of Sec
retary Baker from France, that ap- ,
might be made to ac-
,ord with whatever recommended
ions he wished to make. The exist
ing recommendation contemplate
IN army of 100000 men and wheth-
II this should be raised to 100000
ii 100000 rests with the admin
stration.
After the meeting, Secretary Bak- 7
+ said he had not discussed the {
lumber OF men to go into the army Il
because mention of any specific /
lumber set number, while the
My points of limit is our ability T
o equip and transport men" d
Secretary Baker at the conclusion s
t the hearing dictated this state S
lent: s.
The war department program q
as presented to the house military
ommittee this morning. 1t in [
olved the eXpediting OF the train 5
,g of the men and the increasing 5,
the army as rapidly as ability to S,
luip and transport them can be
)reSeen. The secretary OF war de-
ined to discuss the numbers OF the
roposed army for the double rea- d;
N that any specific number i'm u
les a limit. and the only point OF W
nit is the authority to equip and pl
ansport men, which is constantly fl,
I the increase. re
The details OF the estimates pro- as
'Sed for the regular appropriations pr
r l9lS-l9 will be gone into with dc
{ committee beginning at 10 81
clock tomorrow. These estimates 81
len approved by the committee a
ID acted upon by congress will be pr
pplemented by subsequent appro-
iations as the facilities for trans ~,
rtation and the additional equip :,
ant increase. =,
' Regarding the draft quota mat to
T there was discussion. Secre- 20
y Baker took the position that he h.,
sired to have sufficient quotas ,a
Sed on the number OF mea in class "
without the credits. There was no L..
ange suggested as to the draft age Wv -"
iit,. y" to'
cRMAN MILITARY RULE