Evening star., 1923-12-21

Secretary of War Weeks struck
popular note when he suggested that
Congress enact legislation that will
allow Gen. John ]. Pershing TO be re-
tanned in the active list of the Army
regardless of the fact that he will
reach constitutional retirement age
September Is next. In the face OF
this general Endorsement. however
there is a growing pressure from
many influential Army and govern
ment circles in opposition and friends
of the general very frankly say that
unless Congress is shown the pro-
posed Weeks legislation Will be
smothered in committee.
AS the New York Evening World
sees 1t. Gen. Pershing's Invaluable
experience on the battlefelds of
Europe. together with his virtle and
progressive views on the subject of
preparedness, make 1t quite impossi-
ble to replace him with any other,
equally qualified" and 1t goes on to
saw his retirement would be blum
der" and that 1.-The nation wants Per
shing." The country needs him, ac-
cording to the Bridgeport Post, be-
cause at needs his training and ex-
perience, leaving out of account al
together his place in the hearts OF
his countrymen. He is still the right
man In the right place" The Spring
field News also feels his presence
will mean much to the continued
betterment of the service" for his
brilliant mind and magnetic person
aIity are factors to be kept IL II Is
at all possible to retain them Tor the
good of the country.
~ !: r
Although Pershing has earned rest
and retirement, along with the ma
tion's gratitude. the Mobile Register
agrees that "he is still vigorous men
tally and physically and is capable of
doing more for his country in ex-
panding and improving the nations
military establishment" and that
Congress will do well to DEFER TO
the wishes of Secretary Weeks IL
might be argued that we are not at
war and do not need an experienced
soldier" suggests the New London
Day. but "Pershing Is necessary
whether we are snd as TfT f he or wants to
main In harness a while longer he
should be given the opportunity
ANYWAY. the Rockford Republic main
tains. 1.-THE world never has enousn y
Pershings to risk the unneeessary tss Sary
neriod of his highest mental develop
ment"; furthermore, ARMY re.lrs-
ment at any age. arbitrarily estao-
Iished. Is ridiculous in the case OF tne
higher officers who remain physlcaiiS
and mentally fit" .so
Ohio State Journal argues, mo group
| ~ business men would even contem-
nIate n change. no matter how many
rules and customs misnL nave 70 pe
disre garded"; moreover the services
that Cen. Pershing has given to the
ennntry merit the action Of Congress,
ana passage of that bill would be
anos n,,biio service" while the At
ianta Journal holds that every ele-
ment OF logic and propriety and sem
timent is on the side or secretary
weeks in his request. which undoubt-
sdiv will be acceded to with prompt
ness and enthusiasm by the national
Congress"
AS the war recedes 1T Is more and
more recognized" observes the
Watertown Standard, that at was the
frmness of Gen. Pershing called Sc.
verify by weaklings, which built an
army second to none from raw ma
terial. He looks at war as business
and does not bend or shift for favor
The nation needs him for years &c
come" Since there is no question OF
his fitness, the Buffalo News insists
| "the nation owes him the reward oi
l ArotAuttou eH. th1 DaEWAnonk Aee1ys