Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-04

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not be asked to make UP for the de-
ficlencies Of 20 years past. At the close
of the European war, he said ne be-
!leved a great opportunity would come
for international limitation of arma
ment and with a strong building pro-
gram adopted, the United States would
be in better position to urge that
movement successfully than if its fleet
was weak.
Representative Butler of Pennsyl-
vania, Republican, assailed the secre-
tary's recommendations for a govern
ment projectile factory. He asserted
that the specifications for navy armor-
piercing shells were so high that they
could not be met by manufacturers and
also declared he had reason to believe
that the specifications for navy 14-inch
guns and other material had been re-
vealed during Mr.. Daniels admnistra-
ton to the Russian and German gov
ernments. He suggested that Rear Ad-
miral Strauss, chief of ordnance. be ask
ed to produce a letter to the Krupp Co.
of Germany.
Answer to krupp Co. Offer
Admiral Strauss was summoned later
and read the letter in question. 1t was
reply to an offer made before the
war by the Krupp Co., 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 COM
pany's bid would have attention.
"These are not the specifications of
our 14-inch guns Admiral Strauss
said.
Both the secretary and the admiral
said they had no knowledge of any
plans or other information having been
impaired to the Russian government.
In answer to Rep. Buffers assertion
that the armor- piercing shells specfica-
tons were too high, Admiral Strauss
produced the records of the department
to show that the Midvale and Crucible
Steel Cos. had delivered large quantities
of shells that had passed the tests.
Daniels Replies to Criticisms
Secretary Daniels replied at length to
criticisms of himself, implied or stated.
during the testimony of Rear Admiral
Fiske, former aide for operations, and
with Rep. Britten of Illinois, Republican.
Responding to questions by Chairman
Padgett, he said Admiral F'iske had
sought appointment as commander of
the Atlantic fleet when Rear Admiral
Badger retired. and had repeatedly re-
quested it to the secretarys great en-
barrassment. Mr. Daniels said he told
Admiral Fiske that Rear Admiral Fetch
er, then commanding a squadron in Mex
lean waters, seemed entitled to the ap.
pointment.
Admiral F'iske replied that Fletcher
did not want it, the secretary said and
asked that the appointment he held up
until he could write to Fletcher. This
was done, Mr.. Daniels said. and when
Fletcher replied that he would be hon
cred by the command he was appoint
ed, and from that time on Admiral
Fiske was not in harmony with the
Navy department.
As to Wine Order
Our first difference" said the sec
rotary was over the wine mess order.
Admiral Fiske was greatly aggrieved.
He said navy officers would go to us
ing cocaine. My only regret about the
order is that | did not issue it on
March 5. when l came into office in
stead of waiting"
Mr.. Daniels said he had been
prompted to issue the order because
of the many cases that came before
him of many young officers addicted to
drink. He cited one who told him that
bis son, young navy officer had never
Used liquor in anv form before he went
aboard ship.
Although he had resolved to ask for
Admiral Fiskes resignation, the sec
rotary said, he changed his mind when
Congress created the office of chief
of operations to supplant the aide sys-
tenn and intended to allow the admiral
to serve as aide until the office exrSH
ed. The admiral resigned howevW,
before the new law became effective
Representative Britten directed atten-
ton to Admiral Fiske's statement that
he had resigned because he had diff
fered with Mr.. Daniels on the prepar-
edness question. The secretary said
that was not the reason given to him
for the resignation. Rep. Britton ask
ed him for certain letters from Admi-
raj Fiske and the general board to the
secretary warning him that the navy
was unprepared for war be placed in
the record. Mr.. Daniels declined to do
SO. saying he had no intention of per-
hitting such correspondence between
the board and himself to be the subject
Of gossip.
Representative Oliver of Alabama
made a statement sharply attacking
Rep. Britten.
pETFP CMINITDOE