Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1915-12-14
NAVY LEAGUE PROBE
HAY nLK De FENCE
Fear Kitchin and Other Pacifists
viii Start New Filibuster.
GARDNER TAKES A HAND.


Asust kecant.
Despite the opposition on the part oil
most Of the Democratic leaders, House
sentiment appears to be growing in
favor OF an inquiry as to the member
ship. finances and activities OF the
Navy League. and other organizations
formed to further the cause Of national
defence
1t is understood that q like senti-
ment is Developing in the Senate. espe-
cially among the Senator'S hostile to
increased appropriations for the two
military establishments Their is rea-
son to believe that the Administration
Is opposed to such an investigation on
the ground that fl might divert atten-
ton from the main issue.
Administrator leaders have other
worries in connection with prepared
ness aside from that caused by the de
mand for a Congressional inquiry into
The defence organizations. One is
complaint by members from the South
and West that national defence as pro
posed by the President means heavier
tax burdens and angry voters TO meet
an the stump in the campaign next
year. Another cause for concern is
the organization formed in the House
to force adoption of the policy under
which the Government would build bat
tleshiDs and manufacture munitions.
All these propositions are Of con
troversial character and 'Adminisra
ton leaders fear that if Congress
probes the defense organizations and
becomes embroiled in controversy
over taxes and Government owned mu-
milton plants the task of putting
through comprehensive plans of pre-
paredness VIII be difficult. However
doubt is expressed by responsible
House leaders that an inquiry into the
membership Of the defence societies
can be headed off.
Representative Kitchin favors such
an inquiry He has the support Of all
of the members identified with the so
called labor group. In addition, de
mand has been made by Representa-
tive Gardner, of Massachusetts, thai
the committee on rules report his re5o-
luton proposing an investigation into
operations of the Army and Navy
leagues and other like organizations.
Representative Gardner addressed
letter to Chairman Henry. of the Rules
Committee urging that an early date
be set for a hearing on his resolution
At the same time Mr.. Gardner forward
cd a letter to Representative Taven-
ner. an Illinois Democrat, who has
been pounding the Navy League, ask
ing for his assistance in persuading
the Rules Committee to act favorably
on the resolution.
Mr.. Tavenner is expected to reply
that he soon viii introduce q res0lu-
ton of his own and for that heason
cannot see his wya clear to aid the
Gardner measure The Tavenner reso-
luton is to be introduced early this
week, providing for thorough in
quiry into defence societies.
Representative Tavenner made the
statement that he was not opposed to
the Administration programme.
Il believe in preparedness, he said
Il have fought the Navy League be
cause of.its opposition to the proposal
lRdk the GONG1uhlGAlL shall uAHA It's
own battleships and make all sup
plies used in the prosecution of war
If the Navy League viii recant on this
proposition, I will withdraw my de-
mand for an inquiry into its affairs
and assist in framing bill for ade-
quate defence.
MY resolution of inquiry will call on
the Secretary Of the Navy and the Sec
rotary of'War for figures showing the
cost of maintaining those establish
ments. The figures viii demonstrate
in my opinion, that the Government
has been held up by the munition MAX
ers for excessive prices; that this Gov
eminent is paying for larger prices for
supplies than any other Power in the
world"
Mr. Tavenner announced that he
would offer bill at an early date pro-
viding for the construction of a Gov
eminent armor plant.