New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-11
NAVY GAG STARTS
FIGHT IN HOUSE
Britten Charges Padgett
with Deceit-BlOWs
Barely Avoided.
TAFT SILENCED
SERVICE HEADS
Order of 1909 Cited to Show
That Democratic Regime
Is Milder.

lGrom Tho Trbun, Bureau
Washington, Jan. TO- Secretary Dan
iels's order gagging naval officers re
suited to-day in discussion in the
House Naval Committee which grew so
heated that Chairman Padgett and Rep
resentatiyo Brittcn, Of Illinois. almost
came 10 blows. Representative Butler,
Of Pennsylvania, acted IA pescemaker,
and induced Mr.. Britten TO withdraw
his charge that Mr.. Padgett was deceiy-
ing the committee.
Another sensational development Of
to-dsy's hearing was the declaration Of
Rear Admiral Stanford, chief Of the
Bureau Of Yards and Docks, that he
believed the small size Of the drydocks
IN the navy yards had cramped the
dimensions of the superdreadnoughts
now built and building. They would
have been much bigger ships, he
thought, had il not been known that
there would be no place 20 repair and
overhaul them.
The trouble over the gag ruling
really started last Friday, when Repre-
sentative Britten intimated that Secrs-
tary Daniels might spirit naval Off
GERS who did not fear to express opin-
ions not in accord with those OF the
administration beyond tho reach Of the
Naval Committee. He cited the case
of Commander Sterling. who, he said,
was punished for his testimony on sub
marines before the committee last year.
Didn't Want Daniels Chorus.
M. Britten's principal attack, how
ever, was on the gag order. He said
that he did not want officers 70 come
before the committee and give the
views of Mr. Daniels, as n would be
better and quicker TO get these direct
from the Secretary. What he wanted
was officers who would give their own
views whether they conflcted with
those Of the Secretary or not.
IN reply Chairman Padgett read to-
day an executive order gagging army
and navy officers, igned by President
TAFT on November 26, 1909. which Mr..
Padgett declared was far beyond any
thing thought OF by the present Sec
Rotary Of the Navy. This order by Mr..
Taft was as follows:
at ia hereby ordered that no bureau.
Office or division chief, or subordinate
in any department OF the government.
and no officer Of the army or navy or
marine corps stationed in Washington,
shall apply 70 either house OF Con-
gress, or TO any committee Of either
house OF Congress, or 20 any member
Of Congress, for legislation or for ap-
preparations. or for Congressional
action OF any kind. except with the
consent and knowledge Of the head Of
the department; nor shall any such
person respond TO any request for in
formation from either house of Con-
gress, or any committee Of either
house Of Congress. or any member Of
Congress. except through. or as au-
thorizcd by, the head of his depart
meut."
Don't you know that there was an
order issued preventing naval officers
from talking in public or 70 Congress
men?' Mr.. Britten broke in az the con-
clusion Of the reading of the Taft
order. lie addressed his question 70
Admiral Stanford.
Il only know what have read in the
newspapers" said Admiral Stanford.
Stanford Not Curbed. lie SAYS.
rs there any restriction whatever on
your testimony before this committee ,"
asked Representative Stephens, of Cali
fornia. "Can you give your own views,
without regard to whether they agree
or conflict with those of the admins
tration ?"
Absolutely" replied Admiral Stan
ford.
"Mr Chairman" broke in Mr.. Brit
ten again, don't you know OF the leave
of absence granted 70 Rear Admiral
Fiske on the condition that he would
not talk or write for publication or
address audiences on preparedness ?"
Il know nothing of the incident" re-
piled Mr.. Padgett.
81 know that the Secretary OF the
Navy has gagged naval officers" as
serted Mr.. Britten heatedly, land
further questions along this line"
II object" said Representative
Hemsley. The witness has said he
did not know"
"If the chairman tells this commit
tee that no gag order has been issued
he is deceiving this committee de-
clared Mr.. Britten.
who" shouted Mr.. Padgett, placing
his hands on the table as though to
rise
"You are said Mr.. Britten,
pointing to Mr.. Padgett.
Don't say that, Fred; don't say
that" broke in Representative Butler,
of Penn ylvania. jumping to his feet.
"I've known this man (pointing at
Padgett) for twenty years, and he
wouldn't do anything like that"
IL withdraw my charge" said Mr..
Britten. especially as the chairman
may not have known of the Fiskc mel
dent"
q have already said | knew nothing