Paragould soliphone. (Paragould, Ark.) 1918-1950, 1922-03-06
PRESIDENT
WANTING TO
LIMIT CUTS
Harding VIII Oppose Too
Drastic Reduction Of Our
Army and Navy-Impor-
tant Issue.

Washington, March President
Harding will exert his utmost in
fluence to prevent Congress from
scuttling the navy or cutting the
army to pieces.
The president let it be known
yesterday that he believes the ex-
isting tendency in Congress to go
to extremes in scrapping the nation
al defense unjustified Desire for
such contamination, he believes,
is due to a wave of economic hysteria
which st-tlhe -mnment- is at its
crest.
While making clear his determin-
alton not to permit undue or unsafe
diminution of the army and navy
and even limiting that it might be
necessary to ;'wield the veto on in
adequate appropriation bills. the
president admitted that he favored
generous reductions. He believes that
the executive, administration and
Legislative branches of the govern
ment could get4together on wise
compromise satisfactory to all and
for the national welfare.
Would Modify Program
Despite action in the House COM
mittees to appropriate for an army
of only $4,000 men and the plan
to cut the navy to mere 10000,
the president thinks that there
should be some notifications up
ward before this legislation is con-
cluded.
The president indicated in con
ference yesterday his belief that
Congress, despite present indica-
tions, would mot cripple either the
army or the navy.
Public sentiment, the president
suggested, would not permit crippl-
ing the army and navy The exc
cutive would not sanction it. The
House, he Believes, does not in
tend to do it and drastic actions
of the moment are due to reactions
which are at their acute stage.
The president will stand for re-
duction in tHe army enlisted per-
sonnel, but Rot below 10000,
The enlisted, personnel of the navy
the presidenE believes, should be
some where Ybetween $4,000 mad
100, 900, but under no circumstan-
ces below $4,000.
Oppose Drastic Action
The president conferred yester-
day with the subcommittee OF tho
House Appropriations Committee anC
also with some members Of the
Naval Committee. General Pershine
chief of staff also discussed the 81.
tuation with the president. The
general voiced strenuous opposition
to cutting the army enlisted person
mel to $4,000 and to a further
reduction to 100000, which some
members of the House committees
are advocating.
The president told the congress
men that the United States is no
the recipient OF any heaven-sen
bestoWal of peace and stability whicl
would justify reducing the nationa
defense to a point that would en-
danger national security.
! Following General Pershing's visi
to the White House, Acting Secretar,
of War Wainwright commented OF
it.
General Pershing is the most dis
Itinguished military leader in activ
service in the world today" he said
'His opinions should have weigh
with the American people and will
Congress. Foch and Haig are n,
longer in active service. Genera
Pershing, who commanded the great
est army ever raised by the United
States, remained in the service af
ter it was cut to 100000 because
he believed it was his patriot,
duty to see the service re-organizet
in accordance with the terms of the
national defense act"
nV3