Defense of Defense Day

Every now and then military affairs stumble over politics, or politics stumbles over military affairs, and then one or the other of them--in this country, generally politics--explodes. This was the case with Defense Day.

Last Fall the idea of Defense Day was conceived by the General Staff, of which General Pershing is the head. In that way it first was linked with the General. The idea was that, inasmuch as our regular army is small (one-sixth of the nation's theoretical military strength) it would be well to have a test in which the auxiliary forces, national guard and reserves, should assemble and go through the first steps of mobilization which would be undertaken in time of war. Civilians were to be invited to participate, just as if they were enlisting, except that in this case they would become affiliated with military organizations for only a day.

Politics. In the normal course of events it was expected that this plan would have aroused the antagonism of Pacifist organizations, but since these are generally rather severely in the minority, no great to-do was anticipated. The Pacifist protest came. President Coolidge answered it, and ordinarily that would have closed the incident.

But this is a Presidential year. Governor Charles W. Bryan, Democratic candidate for Vice President, followed the Pacifists in objecting to Defense Day (TIME, Aug. 4) on the ground that, in his opinion, it would unwarrantedly take civilians away from their daily occupations. He added parenthetically that we had "saved several wars by not being prepared." Whether or not Governor Bryan was trying to engender an issue, one cannot say. But there is no doubt that the greater part of the significance of Governor Bryan's protest resulted from his place on the Democratic ticket.

As a political issue, Defense Day will probably turn out to be a "dud," forgotten as soon as the day is past. Only a few other Governors, such as Governor Sweet of Colorado, a progressive Democrat, and Governor Elaine of Wisconsin, a LaFollette supporter, fell in behind Governor Bryan.

The War Department issued an answer to Governor Bryan saying that no mobilization of civilians was intended. "Absolutely the only thing that has been asked for has been the voluntary cooeperation during the ceremonies of the day of those citizens who desire to parade with organizations, on the theory that in case of war they would probably enlist therein."

Governor Bryan then addressed a long inquiry as to the purpose of the Day, so far as civilians are concerned, to President Coolidge. The President replied in much the same terms as the War Department, saying: "A patriotic demonstration has been suggested to be participated in as desired by State and local communities."

John W. Davis supported his ticket-mate by saying: "On the contrary, I think that the view expressed by the Governor of Nebraska to the effect that there is no necessity at this time to encourage civilians to leave their occupations for the purpose of engaging in what would only be a military demonstration without any practical educational effect is entirely sound."

Military Affairs. Military men were practically unanimous in praise of Defense Day. General Pershing, returning from abroad,: stepped off the S.S. George Washington and declared:

"Defense Day" was planned merely because --we should find out where we stand on the matter of national defense. We have on the statute books wise laws, based upon our experience of war, and on all of our experience as a nation. These contemplate the organization in time of peace of a skeleton defense force that can be expanded in time of war. It is entirely voluntary and non-militaristic.

"The World War for us may be likened to a fire. We had to carry water in buckets to put out this fire. This has been a very expensive method. Now we think we have progressed and should have a volunteer fire department and a fire engine. We are now going to test the efficiency of the company and try out the hose we have acquired.

"We have been running to these fires with buckets for 150 years, but we now hope that preparedness will make this no longer necessary. I myself and every ex-service man is ready to go to the mat on this question of National Defense."

One of the Pacifist societies published an article attacking Defense Day, in which it said:

"It is the familiar story. General Pershing has been building up in this country 'silently and almost unobserved' a vast military machine. He is supposed by his subordinates to be itching to see how it will work," "

And Major General John F. O'Ryan, who commanded the 27th Division overseas, came to his chief's support, replying to the Pacifists:

"When you attack General Pershing on the basis of his efficiency in the field of military preparation, you are attacking him for properly performing his sworn duty as an officer of our Army."

It happens that Defense Day, Sept. 12, has a double interest for General Pershing. As Chief of Staff he is working for it as a consummation of his efforts to give this country adequate defenses. As a soldier, serving the nation, Sept. 12 will mark the last day of his military career. On Sept. 13 he will be 64 years of age and automatically retired from the Army.

This is the man who rises at 5 a.m., spends 15 minutes running or playing with the medicine ball, and repeats his exercises before going to bed. The result is that at 63 he retains his figure, his physical fitness, his disposition and his simplicity.

By the inexorable rule of the Army, fit as he is, he must retire on Sept. 13, at the age limit of 64. No more the khaki and the Sam Brown belt. Dressed like plain John Citizen, the baker, the butcher, the politician and the banker, he will go his way modest ly in mufti. Ofttimes, doubtless, he will yearn for his military life, its punctilio and its elan. But the rule of the Army is inexorable, and John Jo seph Pershing likes it for its unyieldingness.