New Britain herald., 1926-07-12

than Ne,
 Between the time Nlr. Weeks re- tired from the senate and his ap- pointment as secretary of war. le devoted himself almost exclusively to affairs of the republican party, taking the role of q leader in the presidential campaign of 1920 and at the national convention, where he helped bring about the nomination of Warren G. Harding. At that time he was the national committeeman from Massachusetts. Later he was a member of the republican national campaign committee of i've
 \ First selection
 In appreciation for his services and in recognition of his value 10 the government about 10 be in- augurated. Mir. Weeks was one of the first selections made by Presi- dent Harding when he was choosing his cabinet. His was the difficult and complex task of readjusting the military establishment disposing Of billions Of dollars worth of war equipment adjusting contractors claims, and bringing to a close thousands of activities of a similar nature which his predecessor had initiated.
 Sending of the Wood-Forbes mis- sion to the Philippins Islands and the designation of 'aior General Wood as governor general of the islands. was one of the first i'm portant acts of Socrcta~y Weeks as head Of the war department.
 Then came his first fight with congress II began when congress voted to reduce the army from 250.- 900 to 15o,o0o enlisted strength and continued until the legislators finally cut the size of the regular establish mont to 125.o0o. General Pershing had returned from France and been created General of the armies. Ar fer Secretary Weeks took office, Pershing became chief of staff and stood side hy Side with his chief in the fight, but 10 no avail
 II was during this controversy with congress that Secretary Weeks first revealed the policy of army ad- ministralion which prevailed throughout his tenure of office.
 Tho Human View
 'TThe great trouble with most ar my men" he sad, is that they are apt to lose the human view of af- fairs. We must democratiza our army as much as possible and pop ulariza the service, interesting the public in it's work and impress upon it the necessity of having an army well officercd and wen trained for any emergency"
 Never afterwards did the secre- tary swerye from this standard nor alter his opinion that 15oooo men, exclusive of commissioned personnel were needed for the national pro lection, although he accepted the congressional edicf in good grace and had to again raorganizA the Jrmy this time to fit the 125,Aog strength.
 Ndf dil he desjst in his open nay of getting his opinion of congress before the country at large. On ono occasion, in 1922, he delivered an address in Cleveland and roundly denounced congress. stating, among other things. his belief that 1t was "at it's lowest ebb of efficiency" The utterance was that of a cabinet officer and former member of the senate and the house and, as such, it brought sharp words. of realization upon him, l. was made, however, in strict keeping with his hold and free manner of speaking and acting that Of q man possessing conTjc> tion and courage
 Health Declines
 The strictest sort Of application to affairs of the war department and the long hours he laborcd there left their mark on Mir Weeks. He re- .uctantlv gave lip golf and all other form of outdoor life, which requir- 2d more time than he had to spare. l. was not long then until he was ordered by the doctor to shorten his office hours and be more considerote of his health.
 About this time, Americas In known soldier was brought from France for interment at the Airing on. Virginia. national cemetery. Tor ! his hero. Secretary Weeks counter i d the physicians advice and in- sisted upon walking as one of the i uourncrs from the capitol to the | burial grounds, four mile | march which tested the physical en- lurance of men Of soundar strength !, han his G1 years ha-l left him.
 He afterwards said he was glad ! le had made the long march, al- ! hough he was afraid more than once after he started that he would i