The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-06-30
HARDING WARNS
CONGRESS ARMY
BILL IS UNJUST
Signs Measure But
DisapproUes En-
forcemer1t.

Washington. June 30.-(United
Press) President Harding sent
message to congress today strongly
dissenting from provisions In the
army appropriation which require
the army to be reduced to 10000
men by October /.
The president announced his ap-
proval Of the bill but warned con-
gress that he does not feel justified
In asking the Secretary OF war to
enforce dismissal Of men prior to
expiration of enlistment as would
be necessary ii the provisions Of the
measure are carried into effect
The president said this provision
will cause very great embarrass-
ment" to the army and will be de-
moralizing to the spirit Of the army
itself, probably causing serious diff
ficulties in securing enlistments in
the future.
The restriction was vigorously
opposed by Secretary of War Weeks
who declared it a violation of con-
tract" with enlisted men.
President Harding advised con-
gress that he would probably ask
additional legislation to remove the
restrictions and said that while the
secretary of war will seek to avoid
creating any deficit prohibited by
the bill every effort will be made to
deal justly with enlisted men.
The message was very plain
spoken document and is the first
serious disagreement betwee en-
Harding and leaders in congress.
Harding's message follows:
Text of Message.
II am advising the congress of
my approval of H. R $40, bill
making provision for the mainten-
ance and support Of the United
States army for the year ending
June 80, 1922.
Il cannot resist calling the atten-
ton of the congress at this time to
the very great embarrassment in
carrying out its provisions while
dealing Justly with the enlisted
forces Of the army so that latter
call for slight modification may
not be wholly without notice.
"The bill necessitates a very
large reduction in the enlisted per.
sonnel Of the army and it is doubt
ed that this reduction can be
brought about without the summary
dismissal Of many thousands ol
men who have a right to expect a
the hands Of the government the
same moral obligations which the
government requires of them wheY
they enlist for service. In perfec
good faith the secretary of war vii
proceed to reduce the army to th'
figure contemplated by the con
gress. The normal expiration
of enlistments probably will be ap
proximately one half the reduction
which the congress has directe'
and every effort will be made 4
meet the requirements of the con
gress at the earliest possible day.
Moral Obligation Involved.
Il would not feel justified in ask
ing the secretary of war to enforc
the. dismissal Of men who have en-
listed for a definite length of time
There seems to be a moral oh
legation involved, the violation @
which would be demoralizing to tn
spirit Of the army itself and Nigh
prove a very serious discourage
ment when enlistments are desire
in the future. i have thought
ought to say these things to tn
congress now because in its earn
est desire to reduce the army pei
sonnel and limit army expenditure
the congress has especially pre-
vided that no deficit shall be crea1
ed. The secretary Of war will see
to avoid the creation of any defici
but IL q probable deficit develop
in a just procedure to reduce ou
enlisted forces I will report to th
congress at the earliest possibl
date and ask It to relieve the en-
barrassment of the secretary Of va
and make such provision as will
necessary to deal Justly with on
! enlisted men while attempting
keep faith with the congress to Il
fullest noasihle dexroa~