The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-11-16
Premier BRAND Touched Upon
the Army Problem as Far
More Vital to France.
az The AssoeIatea Presa.l

WASHINGTON, Nov. Is. - France
took the frst step today toward bring
IA the question Of land armament Of
armies before Washington conference.
In speaking for France on the essential
principles OF the American proposals
regarding naval establishments, Pre-
mier BRAND touched upon the army
problem as far more vital to France
by agreement. NJ. BRAND probably at
a public session Of the conference later
this week win present most fully" as
Secretary Hughes stated, "the views of
France with regard to the Subject Of
land armamenta which we must dis
cues"
There was no intimation in the re-
mark Of NJ BRAND that he had a
definite plan for reduction OF arma-
ments to suggest. He did say. how
ever. that he was satisfied that the con-
ference conferees would be convinced
"that France after the necessities OF
safety and life have been adequately
secured, habors no Thought whatever
Of disturbing the peace OF the world"
M. Brands statements were con-
strued generally as showing his purpose
to explain fully why France regards it
necessary TO retain the great force I'M
her armies. As the nation with the
largest army, the premier pointed out
today 1t was appropriate for her to
take that question up, but neither at
the conference nor in any other quar-
ter Is there a suggestion that any such
sweeping proposal for reduction of ar
4aies u 70 be expected as the naval
plan put forward by the United states.
SO far as the United States IS con-
a4ned. the army question Is fargelyl
a1Ademic; the American army now farl
below its authorized strength of 10000
men, is cut to the bone Further reduc-
tlons would be opposed by both civil
and military chiefs of the war depart
ment. No American plan of army re-
ductlon win be presented and it may
be that there viii be only nominal dis
cussion of the subject. =
AS 1t now stands the American army
is looked upon by its leaders as no
more than the national police force, for
which there Is always need. Records of
tho war department. show that prior to
1908 through the twenty FIVE proceed
ing years the army was called into
action IN some quarter for non military
work, d3ty that had nothing to do with
war more than 500 times. In 1906 It'll
was used to quell more troubles ia the
Philippines and to aid citizens during
the San Francisco earthquake and fire |
In 1907 the army went to Pacific, Cuba, |
and dealt with an Indian uprising. Inl
1908 Il made a second movement tot
Cuba 1910 forest fires In Montana,
idaho. Washington and California; 1911
Mexican border protection and police /
work IN Mindanao. Philippine Islands, |
1912; relief for Mississippi valley flood
sufferers; 1918 border patrol and flood
work IN the Ohio and Mississippi val |
ieys Carmel valley California, fires onl
Mount Tamalplas, California Omaha
tornado. lower Peach Tree Alabama, |
cyclone. forest fires Ia the Adirondacl1s: !
lgt4. Vera Cruz occupation and Color |
ado mine disturbances; 1915, border
duty and Colorado disturbances; 1916. |
Columbus raids and Mexican punitive I
expedition.
ia 1912 came the world war. and with \
the absorption OF the regulars and ma
tional guard in war j. became neces-
sary to organize military police force /
to take their places at home The
forae was the United states guards 4
which watched over property where
local police protection was inadequate
to the task.
In 1919 the army was used to deal |.
vithf the Industrial Workers OF the
World troubles in Arizona: race riots
in Nebraska and Arkansas. flood relief
in Texas. steel strike situations in In
diana and Tennessee: coal strike duty
IN West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Utah.
wyoming. New Mexico. Kansas, Okla
homa and Washington; strikes in Lou
isiana, more race troubles in Arkansas
and IN Kentucky; preserving order at
trials OF alleged agitators IN Washing
ton and strike duty in Montana.
There have been similar employ
ments for the army since then, from
stopping coal strike civil war in West
Virginia 70 guarding the mail from
bandits: and it is to be noted. officials
say. that no section OF the country IS
wholly immune from possible need and
quicS need OF federal police force Of 4,
such discipline that It can be depended
uponl to function in any kind OF
emergency
with less than 100 600 soldiers Of the
regular establishment in the United
states. the distribution by corps areas
provides some elements OF the troons
within quick reach OF any possible 4
scene Of internal emergency. Yet there
are so FAR scattered that IL would he
4 difficuIt matter to get together in anv
one area overnight as much as 5000
men. and II 10000 were needed in some
crave crisis. II must take several days
y. 80 a rnnhnlize them.