New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-11-23


ticnlly non-cxistent
"As the result of the war the army
has many problems that must he
solved. There are also problems aris-
ing from the experience Of the war
which affect the military policy of the
nation itself.
"The idea that force Of 100000
men could be transported within six
months 5000 miles across submarine
infested ocean and there maintained
was one unconccived of not only in our
own war plans but in those of any
other country. Perhaps no lesson Of
the war has been of more universal
interest.
Strength Consisted in Resources
"Our former position, international
and geographical, had resulted in a
long continued national policy which
rrccludcl the adoption Of a military
policy upon which the country could
depend with safety in time of war.
1t entered the war. therefore, prac-
tically unpreparcd fer war. It's mill
tary power consisted almost entirely
of its potential resources of man
power. wealth. and munitions.
"The national mobilization of these
successful diversion to essential war
work of practically every indu try and
activity Of the country, bct~e, April
6, 1919, and November IL. 1918. rend-
cred the participation Of this country
a decisive factor in the winning OF
the war for civilization and constitutes
national achievement of which we
may we'll be proud.
"The war has shown that this
country can, in an emergency, be self
sustaining in all respects for an
., Ill <,,,,o
of no other great power; certainly it
is true Of no insular power. This fact
bears upon our policy of national de-
Tense. 1t follows that under any pos
sible naval situation, even with our
J navy and our fleets denied access to
the seas by any conceivable combina-
ton of the other great navies of the
world. this country could not be de-
feated and forced to capitulatc by
naval operations alone
Universal Training Favored
The chief of the general staN urges
the prompt adoption of a permanent
military policy, embracing the princl-
pie of universal training.
For the first time in it's history this
country is now in a position to formu-
late definite policy" he declares.
There are to-day in the country nearly
600 900 men and 200 900 officers phys
ically and mentally fit and trained Tor
war No such reserve exists in any
other country. There is also a reserve
of artillery. ammunition. motor trans
port, machine Guns, rifles and other
military csscntia s that Will amply pro
vide for any possible requirement in
environments, flying fields. firing and
training centers s:crchouscs and port
terminals which will in general pro-
vide for any probable future require
ments of peace or of war;
The report presents tables of de-
mobilization, showing that in the
seven months INN ediately succeeding
the armistice 2,723,515 officers and
men were discharged, mere than twice
the number discharged from the Union
army during tibet fourteen months
after Lees surrender at AppomattoX.
In one week, ended December IA 1918.
just a month after the armistice. dis
charges totaled 215,9l4.
Siberian Expedition Reviewed
Referring to the Siberian venture,
the report proceeds:
During the war and especially after
the collapse of the Russian govern
ment the suggestion was received by
the department from many sources
that this country participate in an
armed intervention in Russia with the
view Of restoring order and strong
and stable government.
"This matter was given careful con-
sideration by the department. but q
thorough study Of it in all its phases,
showed that such action would be in
advis Bile.
"While this policy was adhered to it
was later decided to send relatively
small force of American troops to
Siberia for other special reasons. The
United Stae santd Japan were the only
two powers at the time in a position to
act in Siberia in sufficient force TO ac-
comp'ish these desired ends.
The War Department accordingly
ordered to Siberia an expedition of a
little less than 10000 troops under
commando Of Major General William S
/ Graves, (which began arriving at
1 Vladivostok in September, 1918. Gen
eral Graves has been confronted with
a trying and difficult situation Eight
thousand miles from his home gov
eminent, surrounded b ambitious
! commanders of many nationalitics and
confronted by a people made desperate
b ywant, cold and hunger embittered
by years Of war and suffering and sub
iect to the influences of the most un-
i principled agitaors with frs onte fac
ton in control and then another, it
has required great tact, firmness and
good judgment to steer a straight and
have performed Difficult antd arduous
task with credit to themselves and
to the country"