The Washington times., 1916-03-21
LEAVES COMMITTEE
ONNAvAL AFFA|RS|N
huff AT CHAIRMAN
Congressman Britten Takes
Exception to Rulings on
Considering Preparedness.

Another "walkout,.' has occurred In
the House Committee on Naval Affairs.
This time Congressman Fred A. Brit
ten OF Illinois, a Republican member
Of the committee. Is off the reservation
because he tired OF the tedious hear
ings and the alleged arbitrariness OF
Chairman Padgett.
Mr.. Britten walked from the commit
tee room yesterday afternoon follow
ing two verbal clashes with tho chair
man. As he strobe toward the door he
announced that he'd leave the chairman
to conduct the hearings as he pleased.
A. for himself. Mr.. Britten said by his
actions, he was through"
It IL expected Mr.. Britten will come
back. thereby following the presidents.
About a year ago the late Congress-
man Samuel witherspoon OF Mississippi.
an easy-going southerner OF the old
school. who seldom lost his patience.
walked from the Naval Committee hear
ings. He became aggrieved because
Congressman Gardner of Massachusetts,
was pouring hot shot at the committee
on the preparedness issue.
Mr.. Witherspoon believed in a mod
crate sized navy. He couldn't check
Mr.. Gardeners vigorous utterances. and
cross-examination Of committee MEM
beers. SO Mr.. wltherspoon put on his
broad-brinmed hat, lighted a trusty
pipe, and went his way.
Quits After Argument.
Congressman Frank buchanan, It was
said. at one time left an executive SEES
sion Of the committee. ...,
The committee was having a heated
session behind closed doors. the report
mo- Nc
after quite an argument with some
colleague.
Congressman Britten stood for two
clashes before he emulated Weston
and took a long walk. His action.
was In the interest OF preparedness
FOR national defense. about which
more than one verbal tilt has been
staged at the Capitol.
refusing to call witnesses that ought
to be heard and OF wasting" time on
untmportant matters while the coun-
try Ia bowling for preparedness"
will leave the chairman to con-
duct these hearings" said Mr. Brit
ten. as he stalked from the room.
Have Two Clashes.
The Illinois member had two clashes
during the day with Chairman Pad
gett Early in the hearing Mr.. Brit
ten charged that Chairman Padgett
had declined to call Rear Admiral
Bradley Fiske because Secretary Dan
iels did not wish him to. testify. This
sequently Mr.. Britten alleged that
the chairman was arbitrarily shaping
the record of the COMMITTEES hearings
an, and keeping pertinent matter out OF
Mr.. Brittsn:s nrst outburst came
while the COMMITTEES was hearing
members of Congress Interested in
the plan to expend approximately |
Puget Sound navy yard.
How docs II happen" asked Mr..
Butler, Of Pennsylvania, that secre-
tary. Daniels favors this proposition
ana his chief aid. Admiral Benson, il |
Take Personal Opinions.
Chairman Padgett said this was be-
cause witnessets express their personal
opinions. Mr.. Britten interrupted with
the statement that Admiral Fiske had
information OF interest to impart TO the
but his views had not been
obtained because Mr.. Padgett, at the |
instance OF Secretary Daniels, decided
A heated colloquy followed, Chair
man PadSett sarcastically asserting
that for the benefit of the committee
he would say that he had not discussed
with Secretary Daniels the question OF
hearing Admiral Fiske. Mr.. Padgetti
advised Mr.. Rritten to read the testi-
mony given by Admiral Fiske a year
ago II he desired to knew the ad-
miral's views.
The hearing finally proceeded, but
when Mr.. Ware. OF Pennsylvania, was
called to testify regarding improvements
for the League Island Navy Yard at
Mr.. Britten objected.
70 h. hi ka
suggested Indignantly, "that we are con-
sidering' miscellaneous bills when the |
country Ia bowling for preparedness? 1t |
Is not fair to the Housne nor the coun- |
try which Ia waiting for our apropria- |
tion bill to break In with these minor |
bills"
"These bills are directly connected |