Show M M I I. I M I H MM t t t M MM MM M MM f f THE GENERAL STAFF 1 t tAn MM M M MM M M M M M MAn An important army measure understood to be largely the work of Lieutenant General Miles yesterday yes was transmitted to Mr lr Hull chairman of the House Military Committee It provides for the establishment and organization of a general stall stair the chief officer of which shall have the rank of lieutenant general Its duties shall be to consider the military policy of th the country and prepare comprehensive plans for the national defence and for the- the mobilization of the military forces in time of war The bill proposes the gradual absorption absorption absorption tion of the Inspector Generals General's department by the general staff which in effect will have the functions and perform the duties of similar bodies in the European army system The reform projected is a needed much one Heretofore o our r so-called so staff departments have haye been practically independent without responsibility re reo re- re to the General in Chief of the Army and a acting ting in strictly military matters with no other superintendence or control than that exercised by civilian Secretaries of War Val and their civilian assistants Nearly all of the bickering cross purposes and scandal that have made our military mil mu- it ry system the byword of Europe have bave been caused by this vice in our staff o organization If we are to have an efficient army it must be handled at the top by professionals and not by civilians who are too liable to make mistakes and create trouble under the influence of bureau chiefs with whom they never should come in contact except in connection with the civil business of the Depart Depart- ment The idea that the Adjutant General for instance instance instance in in- stance should be so disconnected from headquarters tess and so free from responsibility to the General commanding in chief as to be able to issue isue orders in the name of a non-military non Cabinet officer without without without with with- out the privity or consent of the head of the establishment establishment establishment is is' obnoxious to every canon rule and maxim of the art of war and is regarded with surprise surprise surprise sur sur- prise and is ridiculed by educated soldiers and military military mil mu- writers the world over oyer r We e hope that Congress will give gi the new bill earnest barnest and favorable consideration The step it proposes is vital vita to the future good and us usefulness of our army |