HELD BEFORE THE 21. 5. Congress. House COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS SIXTY-SECOND CONGRESS ON STAFF SERVICE OF THE ARMY AND OPINION OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1911 STAFF SERVICE OF THE ARMY HEARINGS ON H. R. 1696 A BILL TO DECREASE THE EXPENSE AND INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STAFF SERVICE OF THE ARMY TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1911 3 STAFF SERVICE OF THE ARMY. COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D. C., Tuesday, May 2, 1911. The committee met at 10.30 o'clock a. m., Hon. James Hay (chairman) presiding. STATEMENT OF BRIG. GEN. C. H. WHIPPLE, PAYMASTER GENERAL, UNITED STATES ARMY, ACCOMPANIED BY H. C. KLOEBER, CHIEF CLERK. The CHAIRMAN. General, we are having a hearing this morning on H. R. 1696, a bill to decrease the expense and increase the efficiency of the staff service of the Army. I presume you are familiar with the provisions of the bill? Gen. WHIPPLE. Yes, sir; I have read the provisions of the bill over very carefully, and I believe it is an excellent bill, and that there will be no trouble about putting it into operation. There is only one doubt which has come to my mind, and that is whether it would work as smoothly in time of war as the present organizations, but that is a matter of administration which I think can be accomplished. The three departments have always given satisfaction. Mr. SLAYDEN. Do you doubt it would work smoothly in time of war? Gen. WHIPPLE. I have no serious doubt about it. I believe it should work smoothly. The CHAIRMAN. General, how long have you been in the pay department? Gen. WHIPPLE. A little over 30 years. The CHAIRMAN. Have you given any thought as to how much this will increase the efficiency of the Army and in what way it will increase the efficiency of the Army? Gen. WHIPPLE. I think a consolidation of this kind with a proper organization would make a very efficient bureau in the War Department. I can not see why it would not work satisfactorily. .The CHAIRMAN. Have you given any thought as to what extent it will decrease the expense? Gen. WHIPPLE. Yes, sir; I can give you some figures I have made in reference to the pay. In the first place, the decrease in salary, the longevity pay, and the commutation of quarters would make a reduction of $158,080. By providing for one major general there will be a little increase, the difference in pay between a major gen 5 |