Evening star., 1921-06-30
PRESIDENT SIGNS
ARMY BILL TO CUT
FORCES TO 10000
Advises Congress to Provide
for Enlisted Men Who Will
Be Forced Out.
FEARS, A GRAVE INJUSTICE
IF CONTRACT IS VIOLATED
Adopts Course Rather Than Meet
Delay by Veto-D. c. $2oO,W
Water Item Included.

President Harding signed today the
annual Army appropriation DILL ol-
recting reduction of the Regular
Army to 100000 men by October l.
but at the same time advised Con-
sress that in his opinion further
legislation might be required to re-
lieve the government of the emoar-
rassment of violating its obligations
to enlisted men whose discharge the
reduction will make necessary.
This measure carries an appropria-
ton of 100000 to begin work on an
increased water supply for the DIS
trict Of Columbia.
Because of provision in the bill
forbiddinE the War Department 10
exceed the actual amount appropr1-
letter of the act were followed a
grave injustice might be done IN tne
dismissal of men who had enlisted
under a definite contract.
VIII Not Ask Dismissal.
The President told Congress in a
special message that he would not
feel justified in asking the secretary
of War to enforce the dismissal OF
men who had enlisted for definite
period. as it seemed there was moral
obligation involved. the violation of
which would be demoralizing to the
spirit of the Army itself.
The President is understood to have
adopted this course rather than veto
the Army measure. because there
would not be sufficient time to re-
enact a new bill before the beginning
tomorrow of the fiscal year. for which
funds are appropriated.
Message to Congress.
Mr.. Harding sent this message to
the Senate and House:
Il am advising the Congress Of my
approval! of H. r. 500. a bill making
provision for the maintenance and
support of the United States Army for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1922.
i cannot resist calling to the atten-
tion of the Congress at this time the
very great embarrassment in carry
ing out its provisions while dealing
justly with the enlisted forces of the
Army. so that a later call for slight
modification may not be wholly with
out notice.
The bill necessitated very large
reduction in the enlisted personnel Of
the Army and it is doubted that this
reduction can be brought about with
out the summary dismissal Of many
thousands of men who have a right to
expect at the hands Of the government
the same moral obligation which the
government requires of them when
they enlist for service.
Will Proceed to Reduce.
''In perfect good faith the Secretary
OF War will proceed to reduce the
Army to figures contemplated by the
Congress. The normal expiration of
enliStments probably will approximate
one-half the reduction which the Con-
gress has directed. and every effort
will be made to meet the require
ments of the Congress at the earliest
possible day.
Il would not feel justified in asking
the Secretary of War to enforce the
dismissal of men who have enlisted
for definite term of service. There
seems to be a moral obligation in
volved. the violation of which would
be demoralizing to the spirit of the
Army itself, and might prove very
serious encouragement when enlist
mentS are desired in the future.
Deficit May Result.
IT have thought 1 ought to say
these things to the Congress now
because in it's earnest desire to re-
duce the Army personnel and limit
Army expenditures the Congress has
especially provided that no deficit
shall be created.
The Secretary Of War will seek to
avoid the creation of any deficit. but
if a probable deficit develops in a just
procedure to reduce our enlisted
forces 1 will report to the Congress
at the earliest possible day and ask
the Secretary of War and make such
provision as will be necessary to deal
justly with our enlisted men while
attempting to keep faith with the
Congress to the fullest possible de-
gree"