Rushing French Army Bill.

New York Times 100 years ago today, March 6, 1913:
Young Men Willing to Make Sacrifice of Extra Year With Colors.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    PARIS, March 5.— The measure for national defense decided upon by the Superior Council of War yesterday was submitted to-day in the shape of a draft bill to a Cabinet meeting, at which President Poincaré presided. Tomorrow the measure will be laid before the Chamber.
    The Cabinet approved the terms of the bill, which restores the period of service with the colors for every young man to three years instead of two.
    The new regulations will be immediate and retrospective in application, so that men now with the colors will be obliged to serve a year more than they expected. The Government, will ask that the bill be dealt with as soon as possible, so that the initial vote may be taken before the Easter vacation.
    The adoption of the bill will be made a question of confidence.
    Although three years in the army means serious delay in preparation for a professional career, the boys in the colleges of the capital announce their readiness to make any sacrifice demanded of them for the sake of the country.

    PARIS, March 5.— The measure for a three-year term of service will add 210,000 men at the lowest estimate to the peace footing of the army, which at present stands at 578,783, excluding officers. The vast military preparations being made by Germany are given as the compelling reason for this step of the French Government.

    COLOGNE. March 5.— The new German Military bill will add 84,000 recruits to the annual contingent called up for service in the army, according to the well-informed Volks Zeitung. The total strength of the peace footing of the army will thus be increased by 168,000 men, bringing it up to 806,000, excluding officers.
    The War Office to-day sent telegraphic orders for the commencement of the construction of new barracks along the frontiers, showing that the military authorities are certain of the passage of the bill through the Imperial Parliament.