The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04

CTS, and without covering in the present membership the field force of prohibit tlon enforcement, should be brought within the classified service by statute law. Otherwise the executive order of one adminis, .ation is changed by the executive order of another administra- tion, and little real progress is made Whatever its defects, the merit system is certainly to be preferred to the spoils system.
 Departmental Reorganization
 One way to save public money would be to pass the pending bill for the reorganization of the various depart ments. This project has been pending for some time, and has had the most careful consideration of experts and the thorough study of a special congress sional committe. This legislation is vital as companion piece to the budget law. Legal authority for a thorough reorganization of the federal structure with some latitude of action to the executive in the encouragement of sec ondary functions would make for con- tinuing economy in the shift of govern ment activities which must follow every change in developing country. Beyond this many of the independent agencies ot the government must be placed under responsible cabinet officials, if we are to have safeguards of efficiency, eco. nomy, and probity.
 Army And Navy
 Little has developed in relation to our national defense which needs spe- cial attention. Progress is constantly being made in air navigation and re- qulres encouragement and development. Army aviators have made a successful trlp around the world, for which I recommend suitable recognition through provisions for promotion, compensation, and retirement. Under the direction of the navy new Zeppelin has been suc- cessfuliy brought from Europe across 1 the Atlantic to our own country. Due to the efficient supervision of | the sercetary of war the army of | the United States has been organized with small body of regulars and moderate National Guard and reserve Ihe defense test of September 12 demon strated the efficiency of the operating plans. These methods and operations are well worthy of congressional SUD- port.
 Under the limitation of arma. ments treaty large saving in out. lay and 8 considerable decrease in
 maintenance of the navy has been accomplished. We should maintain the policy of constantly working toward the full treaty strength of the navy. Careful investigation is being made in this department of the relative importance of aircraft,
 surface and submarine vessels, in
 order that we may not fail to take
 advantage of all modern improve.
 ments for our national defense. X
 special commission also is investi-
 gating the problem of petroleum | oil for the navy, considering the
 best policy to insure the future SUD.
 ply of fuel oil and prevent the
 threatened drainage of naval oil re.
 serves. Legislative action is re-
 quired to carry on experiments in
 oil sale reduction, as large de-
 posits of this type have been set aside for the use of the navy.
 We have been constantly besought to engage in competitive armaments. Frequent reports will reach us of the magnitude of military equipment of other nations. We shall do well to be little impressed by such reports or such actions. Any nation undertaking to maintain a military establishment with aggressive and imperialistic designs will find itself severely handicapped in the economic development of the world. I believe thoroughly in the army and navy, in adequate defense and prepa ra . tion. But I am opposed to any policy of competition in building and main taining land or sea armaments.
 Era Of Force Past
 Our country has definitely relin- qulshed the old standard of dealing with other countries by terror and force. and is definitely committed to the new standard of dealing with them through friendship and understanding. This new