Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-02-08

governmental expenditures" Borah
stated. we had an Army Of $780,
900 men and about 1900 officers before
the conference was called. If we felt Sc
cure with an army of that size prior to
the conference it would seem, in view of
the accomplishments Of the conference,
that we ought to reduce the army to
100000 men at the very most, and one
half the number Of officers.
'That would be the best evidence Of
our own faith in the program initiated
at the conference. The United States can
have no possible use for $50 600 men and
1900 officers for mere police purposes
or domestic use. I see no way to re-
duce expenditures to any considerable ex-
tent except in this way, and I firmly be-
Ieve that any program Of economic re-
Mobilization which does not include
radical cut in taxes will be a failure.
81 do not know at this time what cuts
can be made in the naval appropriation
bill. but, Of course, the same principle
should be carried into that bill"
WANTS TROOPS
RETURNED FROM EUROPE.
Mr.. Borah said all American troops
should be returned from Europe at the
earliest possible date.
There is some agitation in the House
for an Army of 10000 men. Democratic
members Of the Military Affairs Commit
tee favor that plan. General Pershing
has recommended a reduction in the com
missioned strength to 1900.
In service circles panic over what Con-
gress might do to the Army and Navy
has developed 1t was expected that loss
Of morale would be their chief argument.
The economy advocates point out that
cry was raised last year when the Army
was ordered cut to 10000 men, and none
of the dire forebodings of disaster came
true.
Discussing their plan to cut $500, 900
from the next Navy budget House lead
ers pointed to an item for $50 600, 900 for
construction prohibited by the naval
treaty. The naval budget requested a to-
tai appropriation of S425,OO0000. 1t was
estimated reduction in maintenance costs
of personnel would eliminate another
S115,000,OOO There is no provision in
that estimate for costs Of scrapping and
for cancellation Of construction and
maintenance contracts.
Spirited debate between members Of the
House is revolving around the question
OF just how great cut in personnel will
be required to conform in letter and
spirit of the treaty Navy. There is dis
cussion also of the percentage of eighteen
capital ships to be kept in commission,
and how large crews they should carry
as their peace time strength.
Members Of the committee and Repub-
ncan leaders have polled a majority Of
the membership on that question. They
say the consensus seems to be all eighteen
ships should be kept in commission, with
he ~
men. congressman who support that plan
emphasize the request of the Navy De-
partment in 1915 for an increase Of the
then peace time man power of 1000 to
LOO, which was granted when war
seemed unavoidable.
Those members estimate variousIy, it
is said that such a program could be
carried through on the eighteen capital
ships and all the auxiliary craft with
navy Of from 10000 to 10000 men. Its
present strength is in the neighborhood
of 10000 enlisted men.
AIRPLANES AND
SUBMARINES.
Leaders who have questioned members
Of the House say they have found no
sentiment for dealing drasticalIy with
he air service. There has been little
discussion Of submarine strength.
Conservative opinion in the Naval
Affairs Committee favors a Treaty Navy
Of $4,000 enlisted men. Supporters of
that plan believe it would still leave the
Navy equal strength per ship to the war
strength fighting machine requested in
1916. Proponents Of more radical reduc-
tons believe G0000 men would keep the
Navy sufficiently powerful, when COM
pared to the other reduced navies of the
world.
"A small but highly efficient Navy" is
their slogan.
Officer problem is giving members of
the committee most concern. House SEN
timent is favorable to any plan to re-
duce the number of officers proportion
ately to the enlisted personnel with
as little hardship as possible to
the men who have given most of
their lives to the profession. That pro-
portion, under present regulations would
be per cent of the enlisted strength.
Should the forecasts that the Navy will