Defense Day

Last year, there was a chorus of protest. This year, there was only a weak peep of dissent. Why?

The War Department, last year, designated Armistice Day for a national "defense test" and the Democratic candidate for Vice President raised an ouL cry against it. This year, the War Department would have done the same, but President Coolidge intervened. He wrote to the Acting Secretary of War, Dwight F. Davis:

"I have no objection to the holding of this test this year, but I do not approve your proposal that it be held on Armistice Day. If you consider it desirable to hold the defense test this year, I would suggest July 4 as being a more appropriate date."

Mr. Davis took the suggestion. He wired the Governors of the 48 states:

"The President has authorized a second defense test on July 4. On this day, the War Department desires to present to the people our national defense policy and plans for support thereof, as contemplated by the National Defense Act of 1920, and to emphasize the historical occasion when Congress first pledged the manpower and resources of the country for national defense, and to commemorate the sacrifices made for national defense. . . .

"Of course, state response to the proposed test plans is purely voluntary and must necessarily be predicated on what you consider to be, the best interest of your state."

All last week, the Governors, Democrats and Republicans, poured in their replies of assent--Governor T. G. McLeod of South Carolina, Governor A. T. Hannett of New Mexico, Governor G. Pinchot of Pennsylvania, Governess M. A. Ferguson of Texas. Governor F. S. Billings of Vermont, Governor W. M. Pierce of Oregon, etc., etc.

The only dissent came from Governor Albert C Ritchie, Democrat, of Maryland. He objected that "many of our civilians and many of the members of the National Guard, too . . . already have made preliminary plans for outings on that day [July 4]. . . . I do not feel like asking either citizens or National Guardsmen to curtail their recreation for the test." He consulted with his adjutant general and declined to extend mobilization orders to civilians.

For one reason or another, the Governors found Defense Day an easier pill to swallow this year than last.