The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-10-30
SECRETARY OF WAR BAKER EXPLAINS HOW ARMY BILL
 ENHANCES U. s. DEFENSES

| threatened war or similar emergency,
 the President is authorized imme-
 diately to organize the entire increase authorized by this act.
 "The Wilson administration found
 an army without aircraft and an aviation service given over to mud dle. When our troops went to the border, we were able to send with them three complete sduadrons, each consisting of 12 biplanes with 160 horse power motors, and the neces- sary auxiliary equipment of motor trucks and travelling machine shops. Orders have also been placed for ad- ditional machines, $3,200,000 having been appropriated for that puypose. Propellers and engines are the weak points, and the finest civilian talent in the country is working with the army experts to eliminate defects. We are going to lead the world in aviationn
 What of the charges against the Aviation Section?"
 'It was badly disorganized in the beginning" he answered, "chiefly by the impatience of jealous men for progress in new art. The whole section has been re-officered and re- organized, and it is now doing ef- fective and harmonious work. Criti- cisms now made of the section are baseless. The country can rely upon our fiers and our equipment. The art is growing and we are growing with it. We have an aviation school at San Diego, and at Mineola, Long Island, we have established a flying station for examining civilian avia- tors.
 "The biggest idea of all, however, is industrial preparedness. Thirty housand engineers, headed by MT. Howard E. Coffin, have inventoried the factories of the United States, and to-day we know what each one is doing and what each one may be ex- pected to do in event of war. Jigs, dies, gauges and other tools are be- ing prepared, and under the super vision of experts annual educational orders will be placed, thus creating a vast machinery for munitions pro- duction.. The new law also gives the President the right in time of war to exercise a sort of eminent domain over these plants.
 'The sum of s20,00O,0O0 has also been provided for a nitrate plant. To- day we are dependent on Chili for nitrates, a dangerous situation in- deed.
 "I insist,' he said, ''that the new Army bill is an honest answer to the public demand for an adequate land defense. It provides, as far as can be foreseen, for the need in men and material, and it has been pronounced by all who are competent to judge as the best military legislation that the country has ever had. Taken in conjunction with the Navy bill, the United States may pursue it's destiny in tranquility, assured of a defensive strength meet for any emergency.
 There is a treason of peace as well as a treason of war;" he con- cluded, "and those who harrass and shame American institutions by false and reckless statements are no less traitors than the soldier who sells his country. That their actions are gov erned by no higher motive than a mere greed for office adds to the ig- nobility of their conduct. The Gen eral Staff tells me that the Army was never so efficient and that in char acter, ability and training it is quite equal to the best in the world.
 ''We are adding to its strength wisely, building on the solid rock. The National Guard is showing growth and greater efficiency, and the new system of citizen training will increasingly fit our youth for the high obligation of national defense"
 And it is such a record as this that is criticized by the Republican party. which, after 20 years of absolute power, bequeathed to the Wilson ad- third rate navy and a second class army