Middletown transcript., 1918-07-06
twelve BILLION
FOR GREATER ARMY
Many legislative Riders Added
to Bill.
NOT ONE VOTE AGAINST II
Does Not Specifically Direct Inereas'
ina Army To Five Million, But
Senators Indicate Willingness
To Go To Any Limit

Washington.-In passing the $12!
0OO,0OO,0OO Army Appropriation Bill
the Senate emphasized sentiment fol
charging the Army beyond the 5000.
900 men provided in the measure. bu'
declined while awaiting the War De-
partment's new expansion program
specifically to direct the President "a
raise an Army of 100000.
After a weeks debate and without
a roll call or dissenting vote, the
huge supply measure-a worlds rec
ord-breaker-Was sent to conference
between the two houses with a view
to it's enactment this week, when the
appropriations are needed.
None OF the appropriations for the
Army's part in the war for the hscaI
year beginning July l was reduced
by the Senate. Instead, it increased
many items, approved without change
the House clause clothing the Presi'
dent with unlimited authority to In
crease the Army by further draft calls
and added scores of important legisla'
tive riders.
A futile effort was made by senator's
DESTROYS OF specifically ordering an
Army increase. An amendment by
Senator McCumber, OF North Dakota.
proposing to direct" the President to
enlarge the Army to 100000 enlisted
men as speedily as equipment and
clothing could be obtained was reject
ed, Is to 10, and an amendment by
Senator Fall, of New Mexico, propos-
ing an increase of 100000 went out
viva voce. Many senators, however.
fearing this action and the rejection
Of the Fall amendment to extend the
draft age limits to 20 and 40 years
would be misinterpreted, declared In
voting they were only temporarily
postponing action in accord with the
War Departments request for two or
three months time to submit the en-
larged program.
Among important legislative pro-
visions added by the Senate to the
bill, many of which the House leaders
already have agreed 10 accept, are
the following:
Authorizing the President to organ
ize volunteer Slavic and Russian
!egions.
Proposing the rank of lieutenant
general for Provost Marshal General
Crowder in recognition Of his selec-
tive draft administration.
Providing for the training and equip
ing of foreign troops. designed espe-
cially for the so-calleG Pan-German
Army.
Amending the draft law to have
quotas based on the number of men
in Class l, instead Of on the State
Giving effect to the British-Ameri.
:an reciprocal draft treaty, and other
similar conventions which may be
concluded, and permanently debarring
rom American citizenship citizens of
Neutral nations who have fled pre-
iminary citizenship applications and
who claim exemption from the draft.
Authorizing formation of 100000
100 corporation under the Aircraft
Board.
Providing distinctive badges or but
ons for men discharged from and re-
ected for military service.
Authorizing the President to COM
timber and lumber, and con-
|uct timbering operations proposed for
he aircraft and snipbuilding pro-
rams,
Providing medals of honor and dis
inguished service crosses and other
decorations.
Authorizing officers to buy their
and equipment from the
at cost.