Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-02

Plans that seem to foreshadow an at
tempt at cutting the Army's budget
have brought forth widely varying COM
ment. To some present-day armament
is "a travesty on intelligence" to
others any program but keeping our
powder dry is suicidal.
The statement upon which the con-
troversy is based explains that the
Presidents commission is Ito reconsider
our whole Army program, to see what
services and other OUTLAWS have become
obsolete through advancement of sci
ence and war methods and what de-
yelopment programs can be well spread
over longer periods in view Of the gen.
eral world outlook and at the same
time maintain completely adequate pre-
paredness, such an investigation TO be
constructive and not destructive"
Calling attention to thu Presidents
statement that we have the largest
military budget among the nations, the
New York World states that this fact
"is enough in itself to back up the
President powerfully, for by our posi-
ton among the nations we are the least
in actual need Of such q budget. This
Is not the way to face toward enduring
peace or lead the world toward endur-
ing peace" concludes the World. The
Waterbury Republican considers "Presi-
dent Hoover cannot be praised too
highly for his wise and courageous de-
mand for an immediate reduction OF
the military and naval budgets" but 1t
also thinks there will be howls aplenty
before Mr.. Hoover puts through his
program"
"Ineffaceable experiences. from those
Of washington in the great Revolution
down to the Wilson mobilization" the
Atlanta Constitution replies to this
argument, warn thinking Americans
to use the common prudence OF keeping
their powder dry and their guns In easy
reach. Millions Of veterans and more
millions of taxpayers will combine 10
impress UPON Congress that tney SEE
more economy in preparedness LOT sure
defense than in the mere saving OF DOL,
lars by reducing the Army 10 ABSURD
and perilous proportions"
"The Presidents announcement, which
was generally O surprise" according 10
the Morgantown New Dominion. pro
yoked q wide variety Of reactions. AS
was to be expected. the Army and Navy
officers protested that they are now cut
to the bone. The cynical statesmen
and editors characterized the announce
ment as a mere gesture, Impossible OF
accomplishment. especially In view OF
the unwillingness OF Congress 10 sum-
the Army or Navy" On the otner
hand, 1.-The President looks on the
curbing of military costs as one essen.
tial In his general peace program, ana
In this he is consistent" declares the
New Dominion.
"The whole armament structure OF
the world Is q travesty on Intelligence
and the popular demand for security
and peace" asserts the Appleton Post
Crescent, adding: cit Is plain that
President Hoover Is going to lead the
revolt against the militarists and that
he Is going to make armament reouc-
ton one Of the cardinal policies OF MS
administration. The time TO Talk OF
larger armies and nayies has passed.
AS the Bay City Daily Times sees 1t,
1.-The Army, as well as other branches
of Government, Is getting q taste OF
what It means to have 'buSiness-or-
ganizing mind in the White House.
Hoover abhors waste and dislikes 1t
especially when 1t Is the result OF IN
efficiency in organization"
The Asheville Times records the
Presidents concern over the fact OF
this Nations gigantic war expenses.
but the Lynchburg Daily Advance thinks
mo good for America Is to be accom-
plished by creating false impressions as
to the relative degree Of preparedness
in this country and others. That is
what the unadorned statement that
American expenditures for purely mill
tary purposes exceed those Of any ma
ton La the world does create" con-
tends the Advance, since "the mental
Peaetion u ti1aes 81 TIM YeAd1n0 public