The New York herald., 1920-12-14

articles 1u OttSHc0 OD he NEW iOhh.
HERALD detailing governmental con-
dstsons In Wa hin0ton and outlining
prospectivc legislation TO remedy uf-
fairs. These articles t0iH be published
from dan to dap Untl the series Is
finished.
Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.-The invita-
ton of the council Of the League Of
Nations to have an American member
participate in the deliberations of the
disarmament commission leads TO a
consideration Of the incoming Admin
istration's own attitude on the ques-
ton OF preparedness for emergencies
that may arise.
The policy OF rigid economy TO be
effected through a rennorseless pruning
OF appropriations for the fiscal yearsof
1922 Is not to be applied however, to
the more important undertakings con-
ternpIated In the War and Navy de-
partments. Economies may result
through the adoption of new policies,
and members Of the Military Affairs
committees OF the Senate and the
House are convinced that they will.
But the appropriations are to be made
10 confirm to the policies rather than
the policies framed on the basis of
appropriations.
While the provisions embraced in the
Army Reorganization act passed last
June are being applied to the service
gradually. or as fast as the present ex-
ecutive head of the War DEPARTMENT
secs Fit to conform TO the wishes of Con-
gress. there are number of other def
mite plans that will engage the atten-
ton of the members in the special ses-
SION to be called soon after the inaug-
ural next March.
Many Favor Combination.
piete reorganization and combination of
the army and naval air services. II may
be said that a majority OF the members
OF the Military Affairs committees of
both branches of Congress are agreed
that this must be done. Their opinions
are confirmed by many of the senior Of
ncers Of the army. although opposition
Is expected to develop from naval
sources. These are based largely on ira
dition and a reluctance to see army
authorities exercise, in however slight a
degree. any supervision over naval af-
fairs Some members OF the Naval Af-
fairs committees however. who have not
yet publicly expressed their views are
known to favor a consolidation of the
two services.
II is the belief Of a majority of the
members OF the two Military Affairs
committees that many millions OF dol
lars can be saved and that greater effi-
cheney will result II is not the plan of
the committee members. as at present
contemplated, 70 recommend the crea-
ton Of a Department of Aeronautics
with a Cabinet officer at the head. but
rather TO establish some sort OF com
mission or inderendent bureau OF Rro-
nautics Commissioned officers of both
branches Of the service would be as
signed to duty In the commission or
bureau. This, II is contended. would
eliminate much expense. particularly ir
the research and experimental work
that would be undertaken on an exten-
sive scale. and which now is duplicated
in the two departments.
The appropriations for the army air
service for the current fiscal year were
$4,000. 900. and 5000. 900 for the
navy. The estimates for 1922 are $780,
100000 for the army and s35. 900. 900
Tor the navy.
Chance for Big saving.
While the absolute necessity OF de-
veloping and encouraging aeronautical
science as a factor in offensive or de-
fensive warfare Is uppernost in the
minds OF those members of the two com
nittees who have made any serious study
Of the subject In the light OF what foreign
countries are doing. Il is also held that
much OF the additional $42. 900 asked
for may be saved or expended TO better
advantage through combination OF the
Two services. Provision would also be
made for representation on the aero
nautical commission of the Post Office,
Agriculture, Commerce and other gov
ernmentai departments or agencies IN
which aviation Is or may become a mat
ter for consideration.
The estimates for the air service OF
the army for the coming fiscal year In
clude:
TOR salaries and wages Of The
ottee sse ssrVlss 81 me chief Of the air 80
s.,vtce ...................... f.33s.i7s AZ
Total ...................... 81. .26T .536 "a
Added to the above are estimates for
sdditio=sl expenditures totalling S16.-
563,577.e5 more, which the two military
affairs committees believe could be re-
duced or more economically applied
through consolidation Of the air SER
vices. They are
Expenses OF civilian employees. 56.7Hi
eervfcer and expenses OF consulting
engineers ....... ........s.s..s... b,OSA
Instruction and operation OF air
service troops. ps..................... 4.42a.llS
Maintenance and operation OF sta
ti0ns .s...s.s. ..ss..s.s. Itci4tHWl
obsoie,e materihI ..'............. t.Iso.7sO
Heiiun exploration and production. 4s3 NO0
Experimental research .......4.... 2.f4O1fS
pssce and sccessories % ............. 3.3se.si
phiiippines ..........+....,.....s $50 300
establishment Of eirways, landing
Fields, construction gas plants.
hangars and shops. ...........44. 9alIee
miscellaneous OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES 1ld,3Ie
Much consideration IL being given by
rhe Military Affairs Committee Of thc
Senate TO the recent report Of Major.
Gen. Coe. chief of artillery. on the sub
sect OF protection OF harbors and coas
cities from attack from the air. Cen
Coe took the city OF Boston as an ex.
ample and estimated that II would cost
y3o,00o.000 20 give II even an inadequate
system OF protection composed OF anti
aircraft guns, lights. camoudage, &c