New Britain herald., 1919-05-08
ARMY IS SHACKLED;
 NAVY IS PARALYZED
Belief is That Germany VIII Be Expected to Act As Buffer State Against On- rush of Bolshevism.

Washington May S.--EXtended study today of the military terms of the peace treaty convinces army off ciaIs here that the point at which it is proposed to start on limitatiO of ornaments is the absolute eXtirpation of militarism in Germany. Not a ves- tige of the vast military framework built up in 40 years of preparation for world conquest by Germany is to be left.
 Spirit Stamped Out.
 Measures have been formula ted even to stamp out the military spirit v bred so carefully in the people. Under the treaty any enterprise aim ing at a military propaganda is for bidden and military educa ton cannot be carried on except in the ranks of the army of 100000. Such an army cannot perpetuate itself in any way or expand through turning trained men . back to civil life as an unorganized reserve
 Army Being ShacI@led.
 This feature of the military terms the inhibition upon discharging from the army in any year mere than 5 per cent of it's trength-coupled with the 12-year enlistment period, American army officers say will prevent recur- renee of the scheme by which Ger many was once able to throw off the yoke Napoleon sought to impose when he limited her army to a few thousand men each year It was apparent, these observers said, that the lesson Of that day had been completely learned by the French militarists generally credited with having devised the terms of the present treaty.
 Hard to Get Recruits.
 The 12-year enlistment period re- uuired it was said was calculated to make the army highly distasteful to the average man. There can be for him no hope of advancement but only the drudgery of soldier life for it will not be an expanding force. Officers doubted very much that the 100000 men allowed could be maintained IS required by voluntary recruitment.
 Since the dismantling of the forts 0n the eastern frontier was not re- uuired, somo observers here assumed that the treaty contemplated interpos- ing Germany and it's limited army as a buffer against the Bolsheviks in Russia. Should a strong government arise in Russia which could be recog- nized by the western powers, it was said undoubtedly the reduction of the eastern defense will be insisted upon.
 Germany As Buffer State.
 It is the view here that the provi- sion of the treaty reserving to some Russian government yet to be indicat- ed all the benefits enjoyed by tho al- lied and associated powers, probably would cover such an extension. Tn the meantime. however, Germany is to be kept on guard along her eastern from tier in self defense against Bolshe- vism and at the same time acting as a buffer for the western powers.
 Naval Terms Drastic.
 The naval terms are if anything more drastic than those imposed as to the army, navy officers said. From a sea power claiming a strength second only to that of Great Britain Ger many will be reduced to naval DOW CT virtually without rank in the world. The six battleships she may retain, the largest not to exceed 1O,- 900 tons, would not dare risk action with any two modern dreadnoughts, and every other department of the naval service is scaled down accord lngly.
 Tn the provision that no capital %ship might be replaced until 20 years nf active service had been rendered, naval designers saw the death of the gcence of naval architecture for bat tie purposes in Germany. The skill that created the ships now held by inc Allied powers will have died out for want of employment, these of fcers said, long before the pre- dreadnought battleships of the Ger ' man fleet will need 1t.
 Air Demands Most Severe
 The same extreme severity char ecterizes the air terms, it was pointed out, Ali that Germany has learned of lirigib1e balloon building and naviga- tion is to be scrapped. All the ex- pense of the war in airplane manu- facture also Is to be discarded and should Germany ever again be free to develop air navigation, she will have to build from the ground up.