New-York tribune., 1918-06-30
Specific Action Delayed to
Await Programme of
War Department
$4,000, 900, 900 Bill
Sent to Conference
President Authorized to
Organize Volunteer Slavic
and Russian Legions

WASHINGTON, June 29.---1n passing
the $4,000, 100000 army appropriation
bill to-day the Senate emphasized SEN
timent for enlarging the army beyond
the 10000 men provided in the meas
ure, but declined while awaiting the
War Departments new expansion pro-
gramme specifically to direct the Presi-
dent to raise an army Of 100000.
After q weeks debate and without a
rollcall or dissenting voice, the huge
supply measure--a worlds record-was
sent to conference between the two
houses with a view to it's enactment
next Monday, when the appropriations
are needed.
None of the appropriations for the
army's part in the war for the fiscal
year beginning July l were reduced by
the Senate. Instead. it increased many
items, approved without change the
House clause clothing the President
with unlimited authority to increase the
army by further draft calls, and added
scores Of important legislative riders
Senators Explain Action
futile effort was made by Senators
desirous of specifically ordering an
army increase. An amendment by Sem
ator McCumber, of North Dakota, pro-
posing to direct" the President to ,en-
large the army to 100000 enlisted men
as speedily as equipment and clothing
could be obtained was rejected, as to
19, and an amendment by Senator Fall.
of New Mexico, proposing an increase
of 100000 men went out viva voce.
Many Senator'S, however, fearing this
action and the rejection yesterday of
the Fall amendment to extend the draft
age limits to twenty and forty years
would be misinterpreted, declared in
voting they were only temporarily post
poning action in accord with the War
Departments request for two or three
months to submit the enlarged pro-
gramme.
Provisions Added
Among important legislative provi-
sions added by the Senate to the bill,
many of which the House leaders al
ready have agreed to accept, are the
following:
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 selective
draft administration.
Providing for training and equip
cally for the so-called "Pan-American
army"
Amending the draft law to have
quotas based on the number Of men in
Class l instead of on state populations.
Giving effect to the British American
reciprocal draft treaty and other sim
lar conventions which may be con-
cluded. and permanently debarring
from American citizenship citizens of
!. E1rl
mary citizenship applications and who
claim exemption from the draft.
$1o0.oOO,000 for Air Board
Authorizing formation of 500 900, 900
corporation under the Aircraft Board
Providing distinctive badges or but
tons for men discharged from and re-
iected for military service.
Authorizing the President to COM
mandeer timber and lumber and con-
duct timber operations. proposed for
the aircraft and shlpbuiling pro-
grammes.
Providing medals of honor and dis
tinguished service crosses and other
decorations.
Authorizing officers to buy their uni.
forms and equipment from the govern
ment at cost.
Providing more general officers ant
promotions for the Medical Corps.
An amendment by Senator France, o
Maryland, authorizing the Presiden
TO make survey to classify the ma
tional man power was adopted withou
objection, but with an intimation from
Chairman Chamberlain that it nigh
be stricken out in conference.
An amendment by Senator Fall au
thorized the organization of three regi
ments of mounted volunteers, not o
draft age, to be used as directed by tn
President. Senator Chamberlain sal
he did not believe the House woul
accent the amendment