The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-15
FRANCES WAR
|. SCANDAL SHAKES
HIGH PLACES
Deputy Simyan HurIs VitriOlic
Speech in Chamber.
War Ministry Accused of Buy
ing of PseudO-PatriOts.
CRAFT IN SUPPLY PURCHASE
NJ. MiIlerand Accused of Cow
ering Up Facts.
Session Is Thrown Into Tur-
mOil by DenunciatiOn.
Nj. MiIlerand Accused of Cow
ering Up Facts.
Session Is Thrown Into Tur-
mOil by DenunciatiOn.

Paris, Dec. 15.-(Delayed)- During
the debate in the chamber today
severe criticism was made of relations
between the war ministry and certain
individuals who are selling supplies to
the government. 1t was asserted the
ministry had dealt with persons whose
sole occupation hitherto had consisted
in frequenting pleasure resorts at
night and there picking up customers.
These persons, it was said, were re-
garded as unworthy to furnish shoes,
clothing and cannon. Deputy Julien
Antoine Simyan said this was scandal
Gus and even criminal, and that a
government official who on being in
formed of the facts, declined to strike
the guilty persons, became an accom-
plice.
Excessive Prices Paid.
NJ. Simyan asserted proper precau-
tions had not been taken and that ex-
cessive prices had been paid for sup
papers in regard to dealings with an
aeroplane company, which he said,
could not be found at the ministry of
war.
An attack was then made by NJ.
Simyan upon those who are conduct
ing for private gain enterprise de-
scribed as charitable. One woman, he
said, had been condemned twenty-one
times for this offense, but was still
operating, Notwithstanding the fact
the first magistrate of the republic had
demanded that her activities be
ended.
Vast Sums Advanced.
Another abuse. the deputy con-
tinued. consisted in paying large sums
on account, in violation of the usual
procedure, when contracts for supplies
were signed. He asserted that for one
year officials had been discussing
what action, should be taken against
who owes two million
francs to the government.
NJ. Simyan continued his attacks on
contractors, needless of numerous
deputies attempting to interrupt him.
He demanded that the chamber
compel Joseph Thierry, under-secre-
tary of state for subsistence, to throw
open his files bearing on these affairs,
asserting that many interesting facts
concerning purchase of war supplies
had not been brought to light. He
said 1000 horses had been purchased
from an English dealer for about CO.,
100000 francs. Information regarding
the transa ction, he said, had been fur
nished by a man named Debray. who,
according to the deputys information,
received a fantastic commission. In
Quiry now has developed the fact,
he continued, that this intermediary
was no other than the Marquis Creve-
occur, former associate of Henry
who fled to Mexico after
being convicted and sent to prison on
the charge of swindling.
NJ. AIilIerand Accused.
In the purchase of horses alone, NJ.
Sinyan declared, commissions
to several million francs
have been paid He said Inspector
Gaillard of the army, had demanded
a searching investigation. An inquiry
was ordered, he continued, but the
commission which controls govern
ment purchases took the ground that
if the facts were known they would
cause a public protest. The secretary
of Alexandra Millerand, then minis
ter of war, was of the Same opinion,
the speaker continued, and NJ. Miller
and approved his secretary's view.
This assertion brought A1illerand tv
his feet. He protested that NJ. Simyan
was mistaken. He attempted to
speak further, but the confusion was
so great that his remarks could not be
heard.
When quiet was restored NJ. Simyan
his assertions.
In concluding, he turned to General
Tallieni minister of war, ana said: |
Say little, write less, but strike |
hard
The entire chamber applauded as NJ. |
Simyan concluded.