The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1919-01-24
ARMY BILL CAN WAIT.

AKIN BILL IAN Wall.
Almost universal sentiment SEEM
to endorse the action of the hous,
military affairs committee in sus
pending the consideration of the ad
ministrations permanent army bill
The bill as drafted and presented by
the secretary of war and the chief Of
staff, provided for a permanent army
of 509,809, to be raised by the volun-
fary enlistment system on flat three
year basis. In addition the bill pro-
vides for a absolute control by the
chief of staff, over all branches of
the army, which power was given
only as a war time necessity.
No mention was made of the Sc
lective service system and no recomr
mendation for universal military
training Both of these points are
worthy of careful consideration and
submission to the people of the coun-
try before a permanent army bill is
submitted. To attempt to rush
through such bill during the present
session of congress would undoubted-
ly prove disastrous. 1t has been point
ed out that Germany, in her best days,
did not have force as large as the
one recommended by the cecretary of
war. Then too, the results of the
peace conference should have much
weight on the subject. If the elusive
Will O. the Wisp, the League of Ma
tions, come into its own, then it is
question whether such large stand
ing army will be necessary.
The secretary of war seems to be
unwilling to make any recommends
lions regarding universal military
training. When Representative San
ford tried to determine Gen. March's
views on the subject,th general said:
at is the duty of the general staff
to submit recommendations to the
secretary of war when they are called |
for. If they do not get by the sec
rotary, they are stopped. The secre-
tary has told you that they are on
his desk"
And on his desk they will stay.
That the secretary and his general
staff should submit bill on one of
the most important problems before
the country without even taking into
consideration the two most vital ele-
ments, universal military training and
the selective service system, seems
Even the bitterest oppo-
sition would be inclined to give them :
credit for better power of insight.
As it stands, the proposal to put =
4 rider on the army appropriation Z
,ill, carrying the present plan for .
mother year, seems to meet with
avor and will no doubt be put into :
fleet. By that time, conditions at
lome and abroad will have under :
zone great changes, and when a per-
aanent army bill is considered, there q q
Till be different story to tell and ii
lew men present for its considera- q
ion. The people have decreed by pl
heir votes that the military policy of
he future, like our other policies, w
hall be under the control of the re- "
ublican party, and it is but right =,
nd just that permanent legislation =
establishing it should wait until after w
lie 4th of March.
~ p "a w
DRIFTING.
3'Our duty at the moment is clear"
-ote the late ex-president, Theodore w
shortly before his death :,
We have fought the war through WI
side the allies and we must stand
tn them with hearty loyalty WI
roughout the peace negotiations. 1
ere must be no division in the face No
our enemies.'' 6
Taking the foregoing lucid state NJ
MT of the situation as it's text the VIII
okesman-Review under the caption
Meanwhile the United States is Egs
fitting" yesterday offered the fol- But
ing in its editorial columns: D Dul
A fear grows at Washington, and You
is shared by democratic senators Hen
representatives, that President Old
son is trying to force upon our 4 l1og
IS an experimental European set HOG
1ent that is not compatible with Hog
r own judgment; that he is likely Veal
assume tho danoe,o,,s ,o1o of Veal
80 - Spril
'a'oi oe'"eeh 'hem ana Ger Mutt