The Washington times., 1923-06-28

Secretary of War Against
Using Army for Any
Such Purpose.
BY GEORGE E. DURNO,
international News Service.

International News Service.
Direct opposition to the en-
ployment of the army in enforc-
ing the prohibition laws was
voiced today by Secretary of War
Weeks.
81 am opposed to the use of the
army for enforcement of civil
laws unless ali civil police power
shall have been exhausted and
there results that state of 'insurt
rection and rebellion which Fed
eral law provides shall alone
Justify the use of troops in af-
fording the protection guaranteed
to State governments by the Con-
stitution," he told the graduating
class at the Army War College
here.
See Rebnke for Ford.
In voicing this view, Secretary
Weeks, for the second time within
a week. launched an indirect attack
upon Henry Ford, 'pacifist," multi
millionaire automobile manufacturer
and Presidential aspirant. Speaking
before the alumni OF Brown Univer-.
sity last week, the War Secretary
challenged the fitness of Ford as
Presidential timber, while his re-
marks today were construed as
direct answer to Ford's proposal
by Federal troopers.
81 cannot believe that persons
who advocate unusual employment
for the army, such as enforcement
of prohibition, have given serious
thought TO the possible consequence
Of such practice he said.
The principle of suborGipation of
the military to the civil is fundar
mental in American Government,
Weeks told the graduating army Of
ficers, and as such should not be
altered in any respect.
Tin 1873, Congress, with full
knowledge of the dangers and
abuses which had arisen as a result
OF the use Of the army in augmen-
tations of civil police power, saw fit
to. pass the act forbidding the par
ficipation OF even a single member
OF the military establishment In a
posse coniitatus,' he declared.
1.-THE reasons for that legislation ap-.
pear to me now to be az sound as
when enacted. Subordination of the
military to the civil is far too i'm
portant to a self-governed people to
admit OF even temporary excep-
tons"
Expects Better Relations.
Weeks took as his speaking topic
the "Relation of the Army to the
Civilian Population" He urged a
complete understanding and co.opera-
ton between the public and the
army as the only logical and desir-
able method Of making effective
Americas plans for defense.
He explained past criticism of pub
lie indifference to national security
as having been brought about by
lack of personal contact, and de-
clared that the new order Of things
whereby the military establishment
was built upon a structure of
civilian soldier in the national
guard and organized reserve would
bring about a vital and personal
interest in national defense.
1.-THE time has now come when
the army. should accept a.. much
broader role in its duties toward the
civil government" he said. I'm the
exercise of it's new duties, the, reg
ular army is no longer restricted to
our insular possessions. The ma
tional defense act has assigned it
also to duty with the citizens of
our States with whom IL must es-
tablish bonds Of common purpose.
PeFshing Speaks.
Graduation exercises of the Army
War College were held this morning
at the Washington Barracks, pres
entation of diplomas to the sixty
four graduates being made by Secre-
tary Weeks.
Addresses were made by Gen.
J. J. Pershing, chief of staff Col.
Dwight F.. Davis, Assistant Secre-
tary of War and Maj. Gen. John l..
Hines, deputy chief of staff, also
took part in the ceremonies.
Maj. Gen. Edward F. McGlachlin,
1r., commandment of the college, who
is to go on the retired list in a few
weeks, presided. He introduced
his successor, Maj. Gen. Hanson E.
Ely, former chief of the General
Service School at Fort Leavenworth,
Kan.
Chaplain J. E. Yates pronounced
the invocation. A musical program
was provided by the Army Music
School Band. A buffet luncheon
was served upon the conclusion
of the exercises.
NAM EEII LIT NLINH FAC