The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1921-01-20

Borah victor in Fight to Halt
Recruiting, Ridicules Bigger
Forces Pleas Of Pershing,
Baker and Phelan.

IN Strengtl to l15,OO0 men, uH0er
terms of resolutions adopted Monday
by both the Senate and the House.
The army now Eas 225,000, and 1t Is
figured the reduction will be accom-
plished gradually through discharges
in approximately 16 months.
The Senate debated long and sharp
ly before it decided to reverse Its
previous action In ordering cut to
10000. Senators demonstrated lack
Of sympathy with the argument that
a strong army is needed to preserve
internal peace, secuted the idea that
foreign conflict Is likely. and evinced
friendiiness to various efforts toward;
universal limitation OF ornaments.
senate's Vote ~ To 80.
The Senate's vote was Al to SO. More
indicative Of the hostility Of congress
to large military establishments was
the vote Of the House on the resolu-
ton Of Representative julius Mann,
285 to 4.
Frequent and bitter criticism of the
war department was heard In both
chambers.
What Would Wilson DOT
Senators who changed their vote
explained that they did so because
they had. been Informed President
Wilson would veto the resolution of
10000.
The president, it was stated, would
act to support Secretary eof War
Baker and General Pershing. who had
told the military affairs committee
$4,000 was the smallest figure COM
patible with safety and good practice.
ho ory,ov rooroo v,iyo%}or Xiii IN.
der which Secretary Baker has been
increasing the army, provided for
280. 900 men, but it was declared funds
were appropriated for but 175,000.
When Secretary Baker, replying to
law made it mandatory for him to
recruit to the strength stipulated, the
movement to order enlistments
stopped was Immediately put under
way
"New Big Army Owing To jap
Senator Phelan. who started the de-
bate in the Senate by moving for re-
consideration of the resolution to cut
the army to 10000, argued that a
large army was needed because OF
Japan. That nation, he said, has no
real friendship for this country, al
though automatically on good terms.
He said danger to the United States
likewise arises from Mexico. which is
constantly enacting laws which are
prejudicial to American interests.
Use Money for War Victims instead.
Senator Borah ridiculed the idea
that 175,000 men were needed for po-
lice duty. He declared it would be
better to take the s20,0o0,000 that
would be saved by keeping the army
at 10000 men to build hospitals for
victims Of the war.
II cannot favor an army of 175,OOO
on the grounds It is needed to pre-
serve peace" said Senator Borah. "If
we were preparing for war with
other nations, would accept the
view of General Pershing and Sec
rotary Baker. But layman is en-
titled to his opinion when the other
reason is given. We do not need such
big army and it's presence is calcu-
lated to produce discomfort rather
than ally it, It is true there is dis
content everywhere, but an army is
poweriess TO cope with the conditions
that rise to it,"
6orah Sarcastic.
Senator Borah said one officer had
informed him that opposition to
reduction to 100000 arose from the
fact that it would interfere with the
official organization. He told of one
captain commanding six men.
Maybe If the army were reduced
to 100000, he'd only have four" The
senator observed. "It looks as il we
were called on to keep large number
of men to give the army organiza-
ton something to do
Deplores ~Committee's Action.
Senator Boreh said the House com
mitee had decided to give 100000
Tor building hospitals for veterans
when $3o,000,000 is urgently needed.
Lets spend the money for the VIC
tins Of the war" he said Men are
dying for want of care. Men with
mental diseases are wandering the
streets. Men with tuberculosis are
dropping dead because they can't get
treatment.
Senator'S Overman and Wolcott in
terrupted to express approval of Sen
ator Borah's remarks, and cite in
stances of where veterans were get
sting inadequate care.
we have been in hospitals in
which horses could not decently be
kept, Senator Borah declared
Williams Backs Up Borah.
Senator Williams Talked along the
same line.
There never has been time when
we are as little likely. to be drawn
into war as now" he said. He ridi-
culed the possibility Of war with
Japan. and said he would like to have
the army cut to 100 600
Reed Talks Likewise.
Senator Reed secuted the POSSIBLE
ity OF war with any European power.
Regarding Japan, he said:
Il am inclined to regard with very
great discredit rumors that Japan Is
working herself into fever against the
United States"
RUSSIAN SHiP. MISSING
THREE MONTHS IS SAVED