South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-08-18
HOUSE NEGLECT
MENACES ARMY
War Department HampeTed
Keeping Organization and
Caring for Wounded.
- b - -. -.

Special % The News Times
WASHINGTON. Aug rs - The
war department IS faced by the most
serious problems that have con
fronted ~ in u1an~ days An obdur-
ate congress. which has determined
upon a show Of economy. threatens
10 wreck what organization was Gre
ated az great expense during the
war The senate has acted has
agreed upon retaining In the service
: 500 emergency officers. the back
bore OF the organization. but the
house refuses to approve the senate
action.
Senators IS well as war depart
ment officials, regardless OF political
afllistions. frankly are worried over
the house action There are 225, 900
men authorized 20 remain in the
army. as well az $4,000 sick and
wounded 20 care for. Property val
ued ct $500. 900. 900 Is now in pos
session OF the army as a result OF
the recent war
AZ requires officers 20 govern these
military departments. The men who
are "a must have medical officers 10
restore them 10 health. Medical Of
icers estimate that az least 1850
men will be required for this task
but under the army reorganization
scheme. which is compelled by the
houses economy" not more than
s3z Oficers can be retained
Officers are Needed.
To care for the property now own
ed and care for il efficiently. it has
been estimated that 1880 officers
will be needed. Withous them, de-
cay and deterioration will result
But under the plan OF reorganiza-
tipn dtUtated by the house. only L.
2t1 officers can be retained for this
service.
Engineers who are fully capable
OF making a survey OF property and
EVhOse estimates are accepted as a
rule oy practically all public utili-
ties. insist that under the house
scheme and the shortage Of officers
there will be a loss 10 the govern
ment OF at least $3.50. 900, 900, and
entirely because OF deterioration.
The property is now cared for by
civilians Soldiers who formerly
cared for Il have been demobilized.
officers are needed 20 superintend
the work OF the unframed civilians.
But the house seys the officers can
not ne had
The bill 10 permit the retaining Of
these GA GERS IA I'm the house now.
without prospect OF getting il out.
Rep. Frank ". MondeU. republican
floor leader, is not concerned with
getting a out He insists that the
measures before the house now are
nothing but chicken feed and in
this belief others in the house CON
cur lie is ably assisted in impress
ing this view upon others by Rep.
James Mann OF Illinois.
Resent Senate Criticism.
Republican senator's have chafed
under such evidences Of stupidity in
the house. but the house retorts.
when suggestions are offered by
senate republicans. that the senate
Is making just as bad a mess Of the
peace treaty controversy and that
the senators had letter attend 70
their own business.
see'y Baker Is worried over the
failure OF the house TO join in the
effort 20 save the organization and
20 give wounded men proper treat
ment as well as 20 care for valuable
property The loss at this time
would be most serious because il
took taxation 10 build up this or
Eanisation and there will be no sal
wage II II is ruthlessly destroyed a:
the hcase leaders plan that IL shall
But Sac'y Baker has ordered the de
mobilization OF the army officers
just as the htovse has ordered He
is following IN the paths congress
plans for him, as duty requires thai
ne shall. just as officers under hin
must obey the command. the secre
tAry becomes a good soldier anc
obayS congress