The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-10
LEAGUE PROBE
MAY BALK DEFENCE
Fear Kitchin and Other Paci.
fists Will Start New
Filibuster.
D TAKES A HAND

WASHINGTON, Dec. s.-Despite oppo-
sition IN the part of most Of The Demo-
cratic leaders House sentiment appears
to be growing in favor Of an inquiry
~ 20 the membership. finance and ac-
tivities Of the Navy League and other
organizations formed to further the
cause Of national defence. 1t Is under
stood that a like sentiment 10 developing
In the Senate. especially among h SEN
ators hostile to increased appropriations
for the two military establishments.
There is reason to believe that the Ad-
m~inistration Is opposed to such an In
vestigation on the ground that It might
divert attention from the main issue.
Administration leaders have other
worries In connection with preparedness
aside from that caused by the demand
for a Congressional inquiry into the de-
fence organization. One Is a complaint
by members from the South and West
that national defence as proposed by
the President means heavier taxb burdens
and angry voters to meet on the stump
In the campaign of next year. Another
cause for concern Is the organization
formed in the House to force adoption OF
u policy under which the Government
would build battleships n manufac-
ture munitions.
All these propositions are Of a con-
troverslal character n Administration
leaders fear that II Congress probes the
defence organizations and becomes en-
broiled In a controversy over \ and
Government owned munition plants the
task Of putting through a comprehensive
plan of preparedness will be difficult.
However. doubt Is expressed by re-
sponsible House leaders that an inquiry
into the membership OF the defence So
cieties can be headed OF.
Representative kitchin favors such an
inquiry. He has the support OF all Of
the members identified with the so-cailed
labor group In addition a demand has
been made by Representative Gardner Ct
Massachusetts that the committee on
rules report his resolution proposing an
investigation into operations OF the army
and navy leagues and other nk organi.
cations.
Representative Gardner addressed
letter TO Chairman Henry Of the Rule,
Committee to-day urging that an early
date be set for a hearing on his resolu'
ton. At the same time Mr.. Gardner
forwarded a letter to Representative
Tavenner. an Illinois Democrat. who
has been pounding the Navy League
asking for his assistance In persuadint
the Rules Committee to act favorabl,
on the resolution. Mr.. Tavenner 10 ex
pected TO reply hat he soon will intro
duce a resolution OF his W and for tina
reason cannot see his way clear to ait
the Gardner measure. The Tavennel
resolution Is to be introduced early mex
week. providing for a thorough inquir,
into defence societies.
Representative Tsvcnner made tn
statement to-day that he was not op
posed to the Administration programme
II believe In preparedness" he said
ssv ,No,. So,,~kt xna NaSyx, yaau,A hA,a,,s
of its opposition to the proposal that tn,
Government shall build Its own battle
ships md mako all supplies used In tn
prosecution of war. II the Navy Lesgu
will rccant on this proposition I viii
withdraw my demand for an inquir.
into its affairs and assist In framing
bill for adequate defence.