The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-07-12
THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE

self almost exclusively to affairs OF
the Republican party. taking the role
Of leader in the presidential cam
tion. where he helped bring about the
nomination Of Warren G. Harding. At
that time he Was the national commit
tccman from MASSACHUSETTS,. Later he
was . member Of the Republican M.
tional campaign committee Of five.
A Diffiesh Task
In appreciation for his services and
in recognition Of his value to the gov
eminent about to be inagurated, Mr..
Weeks was one Of the first selections
maue by President. Harding when he
was choosing his cabinet. Ais was the
difficult and complex task of read
justing the military establishment,
disposing Of billions Of dollars worth
OF war equipment, adjusting contrac-
tors Claims. and bringing to = close
thousands Of activities OF Z similar
nature which his predecessor had ini-
tiated.
Sending Of the Wood-Forbes mis-
sion to the Philippine Islands and the
designation of Major General Wood IS
governor general Of the islands, was
one of the first important acts Of Sec
rotary Weeks as head Of the war de-
partment.
Then came his first fight with con-
grcss. II began when congress voted
10 reduce the army from 100000 to
10000 enlisted strength and contin-
ucd until the legislators finally cut
the size of the regular establishment
to $4,000. General Pershing had re-
turned from France and been created
general of the armies. After Secre-
tary Weeks took office, Pcrshing be-
came chief Of staff and stood side By
side with his chief in the fight, but to
no avail.
It was during this controversy with
congress that Secretary Weeks first
revealed the policy of army admins
tration which prevailed throughout
his tenure of office.
"Thc great trouble with most army
men," he. said, els that they are apt
to lose the human view Of affairs. We
must dcmocratixe our army rs much
as possible and popularizc the service.
interesting the public in its work and
impress upon it the necessity OF hAv.
ing an army we'll differed and we'll
trained for any emergency"
Never afterwards did the secretary
swervc from this standard or alter
his opinion that 10000 men, cxclu-
siyc Of commissioned personnel, were
needed for the national protection, al
though he accepted the congressional
edict in good grace and had to again
reorganizc the army. this time to fit
the $4,000 strength.
Man Of Conviction and Courage
Nor did he desist in his open way
Of getting his opinion of congress be-
fore the country at large. On one oc-
casion, in 1922, he delivered an ad-
dress in Cleveland. and roundly de-
nounccd congress. stating emong 9TH
or things, his belief that it was "at
tcrancc was that of a cabinet officer
and former me mber Of the senate and
the house and. as such, it brought
sharp words of retaliation upon him.
1t was made, however, in strict keep
ing with his bold and free manner Of
speaking and acting that OF man
possessing conviction and courage.
The strictest sort of application to
affairs Of the war dcnartment and the
long hours he labored there left their
mark on Mr.. Weeks. He reluctantly
rave IN golf and all other forms Of
out-do life. which required more
time than he had to spare. 1t was not
long then until he was ordered by the
doctor to shorten his office hours and
be more considerable of his health
About this time. Americas unknown
soldier was brought from France for
intermcnt at the Arlington. Virginia.
national cemetery. For this hero.
Secretary Weeks countered the physi-
clans advice and insisted upon wa!k-
ing as one of the mourners from NE
capitol to the Virginia burial grounds,
four-milc march which tested NE
physical endurance of men of sounder
strength then his 81 years had left
him. &
He afterward said he was glad he
had made the long march. although he
was afraid more than once after he
started that he would not arrive ct
Arlington ION his feet" He pAid
heavy penalty for what the doctors
called this "indiscretion."
Rumors were circulated more than
once during the year following The
burial Of the unknwon that Secretary
Weeks twas . sick man" and would
resign on account Of health Few
knew, however. that his suffcrings re4
suited from the march to Arlington
and his determination to pay his own
tribute to Americas unknown warrior
from France.