Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-20
DANIELS PROUD
 0F WAY US. NAVY
 MET TEST 0F WAR
Secretary Tells Congress of Manner War Problems
 Were Solved.

Washington, Dec. 19.-Secretary Daniels and Paymaster McGowan of the navy were the first witnesses summoned to appear today before the house naval subcommittee delegated to begin an investigation into the navy's war activities
 Secretary Daniels gave a general review of what the navy has been do ing, avoiding, as he explained, dis closing any facts that would be of value to the enemy. He told how the navy is now building 424 capital and other important ships. Discussing the use of submarine chasers, he said they were regarded las necessity and there was "no great enthusiasm" about them as a weapon for permanent effectiveness. Naval action. he said. has made gratifying strides, but has been ham, nered by lack of manufacturing facil- ities.
 One of the great problems. he said, was to furnish gun crews to mer- chant ships.
 "We made these reserve ships." said MT. Daniels. "a school for gun ners and the efficiency with which these officers have taken hold of the young men and made young men ef- ficient is really one of the big things of the navy in this war.
 "When you come to write the story of the war;" said h Zone of the most thrilling chapters will be regarding these young man, who went on the merchant ships and risked their lives. refer to those who went on our own merchant ships, of course. We have nut guns on every ship going into sub marine war zones that requested it."
 "We are rather proud" the secre- tary said, "of the way the navy has met the actual test of war. am glad for congress aud the public to know somewhat of our activities. A taking of stock, so to speak, can not fail to bring ways for still further inn nrovement and for still more efficient work in the future"
 Secretary Daniels told how. in the exigencies at the outset of the war, keels had been laid where there were swamp lands but 9 few months before and how mechanical equipment had been developed.
 Most contractors, he said, have been fair and patriotic. "There have been a few" he said, "we had to take by the nape of the neck"
 He did not like the cost plus 10 per cent system, he said, but it was the and it had been necessary.
 A tiff between Secretary Daniels and Representative Britten enlivened the session. Britten asked what com plaints had been made to the navy de partment by Vice Admiral Sims.
 ,'I think that is not a proper ques- tion to ask," said Secretary Daniels. q will say, though, inasmuch as the question has been asked in open ses sion that Admiral Sims has been given everything that the navy has that it could give"
 Secretary Daniels said that he did not believe "mess gossip" should. be "bandied about"
 'I'm asking about facts," said Brit ten.
 eff you have any facts, give them," shot back the secretary.
 Britten said he hoped it was not the desire of the committee merely to show the favorable condition of the navy.
 eff a commanding officer here or abroad" said Britten, complains that he is not getting what he wants, it is proper to ask about it." ,
 "As to whether every requirement. of Admiral Sims on the European sit uation has been complied with" re- rlied the secretary, Cor whether every matter of strategy has been complied with, I would say. those ought not to be asked about. Admiral Sims has made no complaint. He asked for some particular men to go over there who could not be sent because of other duties. There is a perfect un- derstanding between Admiral Sims and the department.
 REGULATE COTTON EXPORT.