Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-05-27
Tavenner's Capital Letter

representatives of the United States OF
American IN congress assembled, That
a joint committee of the committee OF
the senate and house of representa-
tives, to consist of six members OF the
senate to be appointed by the presi-
dent of the senate and six members
of the house of representatives to be
appointed by the speaker of the house.
is hereby empowered, authorized, and
directed
First. To investigate fully and in
quire into each and all of the above
recited matters and into any matters
and subjects connected with or appur-
tenant to or bearing upon the same.
Second. To investigate fully and
inquire into
vate manufacturers for guns, ammuni-
ton, torpedoes, powder, armor plate,
submarines, battleships, and other
equipment and supplies used by the
army and navy in large quantities for
each year since 1887, and approx
imately what the saving would have
been to the people if the capacity of
government establishments had per-
mitted the complete government man
ufacture of said equipment;
OBJ The extent of the economy or
extravaganza which has resulted from
the government manufacture of army
and navy equipment of any kind what
soever which the government is now
engaged in manufacturing.
(c) The most feasible plan OF &C
quiring or constructing manufacturing
plants of sufficient capacity to supply
the army and navy with all arms,
armament. and munitions of war, in
Guiding ships and their equipment;
I'D The probable cost of such man
ufacturing plants, taking into account
both present and future military
needs;
(e) The proper locations for such
manufacturing plants;
f) The necessary legislation to pre-
vent either persons or corporations
from engaging or continuing in such
manufacture and when such leglsla-
ton should take effect.
Third. To investigate and report
the extent to which army and navy
officials on the retired list, or who
have resigned from the army and
navy, are now connected, or have ever
been connected, with concerns having
dealings with the government.
Ia Or to investigate any alleged
connections, direct or indirect, be-
tween any army or navy officer, either
on the active or the retired list, and
concerns which now have, or have had,
dealing with the government.
(b) Whether any army or navy
officers on the pay roll of the govern
ment, either on the active or retired
list, are now, or ever have been, in any
contract by which they are, or were,
to receive royalties on implements of
war sold to foreign governments.
Fourth. To compile of list of ex-
army and ex-navy officers employed by
private concerns and the names,
places, and character Of the business
engaged in by the concerns with
which said persons are, or have been,
connected.
Fifth To investigate and report the
circumstances under which any pri-
vate concern has been able to obtain
plans and specifications from the
navy department for use in construct
ing battleships for foreign nation.
Sixth. To investigate the quality OF
work of any character supplied the
government by private concerns or the
circumstances involved in connection
with the making of any contracts be-
tween the government and any private
concern.
Seventh To ascertain the extent tC
which individuals who are, or who
have been, founders, directors, officers,
life members, or contributing mem
bers of the Navy league, or similar or
CARNATIONS. are, or have been, stock
holders, officers, directors, or en-
ployees of concerns which stand to
profit from the increased appropria-
lions for the army and navy which are
being advocated by the Navy league or
kindred organizations.
Eighth. To inquire into the organ
ization, membership, expenditures, re-
ceipts, and sources thereof Of Labor's
National Peace council, or any organ
izations which have been active in the
propaganda for or against an embargo
on munitions of war or the proposed
increases in the army and navy of the
United States.
=
Tenth. To ascertain the extent to
which members of congress, both of
the senate and house of representa-
tives of the United States, own, hold,
or control, directly or indirectly, or
have ever owned, held or controlled,
directly or indirectly, at any time dur
ing their membership in this or any
preceding congress, stock or bonds in
any concern or concerns which have
profted financially by virtue of con-
tracts for munitions, armament, ships,
or other supplies, or materials, under
moneys appropriated in the army,
navy, Notifications, sudry civil, or
other appropriation bills, or, if
deemed advisable, to require army and
navy officers or any person or per-
SONS who have taken an active part for
or against increased army and navy
appropriations to testify as to their
holdings of stocks or bonds.
Eleventh. To require munitions
concerns or firms which have obtained
contracts for materials of any char
acter under army and navy appropria-
tons to furnish sworn lists of its
stockholders and bondholders on
June 30, 1914, June 30, 1915, or such
other dates as it may designate, or to
require stockholders to furnish lists
of those for whom they have bought or
sold stocks or bonds.