France Startled By Army Desertions.

New York Times 100 years ago today, December 8, 1912:
Ex-War Minister Messimy Shows That the Total Has Now Reached 90,000 Men.
EVIL IS RAPIDLY GROWING
Republicans Blame the Socialist Propaganda — All Agree Desertion Must Be Heavily Penalized.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    PARIS. Dec. 7.— Universal astonishment and disgust are felt throughout the country at the announcement in the Chamber of Deputies this week by M. Messimy, the Minister of War in the Caillaux Cabinet of 1911, that deserters from the French Army and men who evaded military service numbered no less than 90,000 men, which is equivalent to the strength of three army corps.
    "During the last three years," announced M. Messimy, "the number of deserters has increased to an average of 1 per cent. of the whole army, while the conscripts who refuse to perform service now number one in thirty-two of the recruits."
    In the general sensation which these revelations have caused, it is pointed out that these figures are immeasurably above those of any other army in the world, that of Germany, for instance, counting only fifty deserters last year.
    One result of these extraordinary statistics on public opinion is an outbreak of bitter recrimination among political parties. The recent rapid growth of syndicalism, Anarchist ideas, and the anti-militarist propaganda generally are thought to be the chief causes of the increase in desertions and non-compliance with military law, which have trebled in ten years. For this the Republican Party is bitterly blaming the Radical Socialists, who have been in power since 1900, and who are accused of having brought about the present disastrous state of affairs by weakness and desire for compromise.
    The Radicals, however, in their principal organs angrily deny the charges, stating that they are the last persons in the world to spread such a "cowardly and conscienceless doctrine" as that of anti-patriotism.
    Meanwhile, a strong feeling exists everywhere that steps must be taken immediately to remedy this state of things, which, is regarded as a great danger to the country.
    It is announced that a bill will be introduced in Parliament at an early date making the penalties for the evasion of military duties far heavier than hitherto.