Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1919 — DRILL BOYS OF 19, CALIFORNIA SENATOR ASKS [ARTICLE]

DRILL BOYS OF 19, CALIFORNIA SENATOR ASKS

Washington, Feb. 13.—Universal military training was advocated by Representative Kahn, of California, ranking Republican member of the House Military Committee, in the general debate on the new $1,100,000,000 army appropriation bill today. He suggested six months’ training for all youths as soon as they attain the age of 19. “Their placement in the reserve is not a necessary part of the program,” he said in reply to an inquiry, “for the men can be brought back by a selective draft act. “The United States showed the world that under a conscription law in six months we could train men who could go up against the shock troops of the German emperor and lick them to a frazzle.” Referring to a league of nations, Mr. Kahn said it should not cause Americans to be sent to foreign I countries for police duty. No' concrete proposition on the league, he said, had been put forth by the President, adding: “It is one thing one day and another thing another day, according to the dispatches.” Although he thought the present American army would be out of existence early next year, Mr. Kahn said it would be folly to remove all troops from Europe until definite terms of peace had been agreed on. “One cannot tell what is happen,” he added. “Germany, by its military commanders, has served notice she will not accept a humiliating” peace. While Germany wouldnot be much of a menace if she tried to violate the armistice, it would be folly to remove all troops. “It is a universal wish that the boys be returned as soon as possible. lam confident no effort will be spared to bring -back the men byJuly, 1920.” Mr. Kahn said, abolishment of the gold and silver service chevrons was recommended by _ the committee ‘because the distinction 'between foreign and home service was unwarranted, many men being compelled to remain in this country against their wish.