The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-04
ASSAILS RECOMMENDATIONS

Representative Butler of Pennsylvania, republican, assailed the. secre.ary.s rec omrnendations for a. asgovernment projectile factory. He asserted that the specifica- tions for 4nayy armotg piercing shells were so high that they could not ne mer py manufacturers and also suecfared he had reason to believe that the specifications for navy l4-inch guns and other material had been revealed during Mir. Daniels administration to the Russian and Ger man governments. He suggested that Rear Admiral Strauss, chief of ordnance. be asked to produce a letter to the Krupp company of Germany.
 Admiral Strauss was summoned later and read the letter in question. It was q reply to an offer made before the war by the Krupp company to supply 14-inch guns for the United States navy. The ordnance bureau answered that if guns to meet the requirements outlined in the offer could be provided, the company bid would have attention.
 These are not the specifications of our 14-inch guns,' Admiral Strauss said. "They are for much superior gun"
 Both the secretary and the admiral said they had no information of plans having been imparted to the Russian govern ment.
 In answer to Representative Butler's assertion that the .armor piercing shell specifications were too high. Admiral Strauss produced the records of the de- pertinent to show that the Midvale and Crucible Steel companies had delivered large quantities of shells that had passed the tests.
 REPLIES TO CRITICISMS
 Secretary Daniels replied at length to criticisms of himself implied oe stated during the testimony of Rear Admiral Fiske, former aide for opcr- ations, and became involved in warm controversy with Representative Brit ten of Illinois, republican. Responding to questions by Chairman Padgett. hs said Admiral Fiske had sought appoint ment as commander of the Atlantic fleet when Rear Admiral Badger re- tired and had repeatedly requested it, to the secretary's great embarrass- ment. MT. Daniels said he told Admiral Fiske that Rear Admiral Fletcher, then commanding a squadron in Mexican waters. seemed entitled to the appoint ment. Admiral Fiske replied that Fletcher did not want it. the secretary said, and asked that the appointment be held up until he could write to Fletcher. This was done. MT. Daniels said, and when Fletcher replied that he would be honored by the command. |, on Admiral Fiske was not in harmony with the navy department
 OVER PROHIBITION
 Our first difference" said the sec- retary, was over the wine mess or der. Admiral Fisk was greatly az grieved. He said navy officers would go to using cocain. My only regret about the order is. that I did not is- sue it on March 5, when I came into office, instead of waiting''
 MT. Daniels said he had been prompt ed to issue the order because of the many cases that came before him of young officers addicted to drink. He cited one man who told him that his son, a young navy officer, had never used liquor in any form before he went aboard ship. Although he had resolved to ask for Admiral Fiske's resigna- tion, the secretary said. he changed his mind when Congress. created the office of chief of operations to sup plant the aide system and intended to allow the admiral to serve as aide un- til the office expired. The admiral re- signed. however, before the new law became. effective. s.4.. s
 Representative Oliver of Alabama. democrat. made, a. statement sharply attacking Representative Britten. He said the Illinois members attitude throughout the hearings had followed the single line of criticizing the Sec retary of the Navy. He called atten.
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