Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-07-25
Honorinr General March

ONES first impulse is to give to every gal
~ liant soldier of the war the fullest recog-
milton Of his sacrifices and his services Now
that the conflict is over and victory has been
achieved it seems that the least grateful
nation can do is to bestow honOrs gencr-
ously-evcn lavishly--upon tho brave men
who faced the peris. who did the bloody work
and who destroyed the military power OF n
brutal enemy.
But if the Distinguished Service Cross were
awarded to every man who wore the uniform,
that disruption would be chcapencd to the
point Of being valueless. Ii the Congressional
Medal should be handed about at random.
nobody would care much about having one.
Unless these badges of bravery are reserved
for those of conspicuous service they cease to
be coveted emblems. They would be mere
ribbons and metal 20 he had for the asking,
and therefore would be without quality.
Much the same is true in the matter of
comforting high rank on officers OF the army
and navy. President Wilson has recommend
ed that Generals Pershing and March be
made permanent generals in the army. and
that Rear Admrals Benson and Sims be made
permanent admirais in the navy. Congress
and the country will respond heartily to this
suggestion in so far General Pershing and
Admiral Sims are concerned. But there will
be misgiving regarding General March and
Admiral Benson Already the House has
shown its ill-favor toward General March and
has given notice that his promotion 10 this
splendid rank will be bitterly opposed.
This feeling Of opposition is based or two
circumstances. The first is that General
March, as chief OF stan during the period Of
the war has made many relentless enemies
in Congress. II has been necessary. in the
line of duty for him TO deny many requests
OF congressman. He has been autoCratiC,
moreover in his attitude on many occasions.
He has ruled with all iron hand and has
created sentiment of hostility toward him
self that will demonstrate itself forciby and
perhaps successfully. when the time comes TO
vote upon his signal promotion.
More important than this objection to the
elevation of General March-and much the
same argument applies 10 Admiral Benson
is the fact that he was not personally on the
battle field; he led no armies, achieved no
victory OF arms and faced no perils. His work
at home was vastly important; that goes
without saying. But to pronounce it as i'm
portant as that performed by General Perish
ing would be foolish. The fundamental diff
ference between the two men is that the one
a lighting man and a field commander
the other bureaucrat.
Less than three years ago General March
was colonel attached 10 the general staff
OF the army. When the war began he was
made a brigadier and sent overseas. Gen
eral Pershing. who admired him and trusted
him, brought about a temporary promotion
to major-generalship and placed March in
command OF artillery. Shortly thereafter and
before the army began fighting. Secretary
Baker on the recommendation OF General
Pershing, brought General March home and
made him chief Of staff. II is plainly uues-
tionable whether or not General March is
entitled to the great distinction OF being made
a permanent general OF the army. This
places him on exactly the same footing with
General Pershtng. II Congress should make
the chief OF staff permanent lieutenant
general, one grade below General Pershing
it would seem that the government would
have discharged its full obligation TO the chief
OF staff