New-York tribune., 1919-07-23
Blames Congress for ''Dang-
erous Disintegration of
Military Force,'' in View
of Worldwide Unrest
Safety Size Is Not Known
Wants Pershing's View ON
Number Needed; Shown
Way to Save Air Service
Ne1o York Tribune
WdshinQtO7, Burenn

WASHINGTON, July 22.-Secretary
of War Baker attempted to-day to
place the responsibility for the dan
gerously rapid disintegration" Of the
American military machine on Con-
gress.
In testimony before the House Mill
tary Affairs Committee he said the
small appropriations made by Congress
in the army bill would force the de-
mobilization of the army down to 22O,-
600 men by fall.
Members of Congress had but to
look around and see what was going
on in the world, he said, to know that
it would be unwise to let the strength
of the American military forces go so
low as to prevent their rapid expanso
should occasion require.
Secretary Baker said he had hopes
of the league of nations as means
of preventing future wars, but he add
ed, "The United States should lay plans
for modern army
He declined to give his opinion on
what the permanent strength of the
army should be, saying he preferred d
to wait until General Pershing and
other officers Of the American expedi-
tionary force had given him their
opinion.
May Help Air Service
Secretary Baker promised that sug-
gestions made by members of the com
mittee to prevent what army officers
have called the "junking of the all
service" would be carried out. He will
seek to have army fiers, nearly all
of whom are National Army or emer-
gency officers, accept commi ssions in
the regular establishment so that they
may continue in the service.
Congress did not give us enough
money to permit holding such an army
as we recommend, or, indeed, money
enough for the army Congress au-
thorized,' Secretary Baker said. "You
made appropriations for an army of
$50 ,OoO men. We have more than
100000 men in the army now. Soon
after September 80 we must get down tc
100000 men to keep within our ap-
preparations for the year"
Representative Sanford, of New York
asked. in view Of the present Mexican
situation, how large an army the Sec
retary thought would be REQUIRED.
II think an army larger than 200 OOC
is necessary" Secretary Baker replied
"The war has taught us that men must
be instructed in divisions with al
branches we'll balanced. 1t would bt
wrong for this country to go back tt
the old army strength. A new policy
is necessary. l should like, however
to wait until General Pershing and hi
associates have given ne the benefit O.
their advice before | submit my view,
to the committee.
Points to World Unrest
"But the present disturbed conditions
Of the world-you have but tc ool
about you-suggcst the folly OF rcduc
ing the regular army below what NIGH
be developed or expanded quickly int
modern army"
"Thcn the Administration has il
mind vigorous policy with referenc
to the army" Representative Sanfor
suggested, "whether the league of ma
tons covenant is accepted by the Sen
/ ate or not"
1T is my fondcst hope that tn
league Of nations will result in dis
armament" Secretary Baker sale
earnestly, "but we should lay plan
for modern army, whatever happens
Representative Anthony, of Kansa.
suggested that since there was no pro
vision for large number of regula
officers in the air service the aviator
might be commissioned in the infantr