Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-19
PROUD Of WAY NAVY.
MEETS TEST OF WAR.
Secretary Daniels, in State
ment Before House Inquiry
Committee, Reviews Work.
SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS


ment, the first witness today before the
House naval subcommittee delegated to
investigate the Navy's war activities.
gave a general review of what the Navy
has been doing, avoiding, as he ex-
planned, disclosing 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 as
a necessity, but there was mo great
enthusiasm about them as weapon
for permanent effectiveness.
Naval aviation, he said, has made
gratifying strides, but has been ham
pered by lack of manufacturing facili-
ties.
Speaks in Praise Of Coordination.
Secretary Daniels praised the CO.
ordination between the personnel of the
Navy and the personnel of the allies.
One of the great problems, he said.
was to furnish gun crews to merchant
ships.
We made these reserve Ships said
Mr.. Daniels, "a school for gunners. and
the efficiency with which these officers
have taken hold of the young men and
made them efficient is really one of the
When You come to write the story
of the war" said he, 'tone of the most
thrilling chapters will be regarding these
young men who went on the merchant
those who went on our own merchant
ships, of course. We have put guns on
every ship going into the submarine war
zone that requested it,
tary said. "of the way the Navy has
met the actual test of war. l am glad
for Congress and the public to know
somewhat of our activities.
Effect of Stock Taking.
"A taking stock. SO to speak. can
not fail to bring ways for still further
Improvement and for still more efficient
work in future. We-feel we have done
well. but we still have problems. some
of them very difficult. which we have
been trying to solve in the best way
possible in the very brief time allotted
to solve Them.
ITO the best solution of these prob
lens we hope to have suggestions and
help from this committee and from
Congress. We do not claim that we
have done everything In the best pos
gih1e way or that we have made no
mistakes. I believe. however. when you
know all we have attempted we will
receive your confirming Judgment that
We have done as well as possible under
al circumstances. In some things
sT;5sSs T ssnl sRsss be- sssn sssp
the department and In the entire serv-
ice to have things well done and thor
oushly done"
Tilt Enlfvens Hearing.
A coiloquy between Secretary Daniels
and Mr.. Britten enlivened the hearing.
Mr.. Britten asked what complaints have
been made to the Navy Department by
Admiral Sims Secretary Daniels re-
piled that the question was improper.
= .As to any matters between Admiral
Sims and myself he said, Il think that
10 not q proper question to ask. 1t is
not proper question to ask as to the
Navy Departments complying with his
various requests. ] will say. though.
as the question has been asked in open
session, that Admiral Sims has been
given everything that the Navy has
that 1t could give"
.sHe sal he did not believe that messy
gossip" should be ''heraided and banded
about"
..If Admiral Sims. he added. .is not
getting everything that Is needed it lis a
matter for operations to say whether he
should have it. Operations has spent it
seif giving all that Admiral Sims needs
that the department has. / think this is
very petty and small business
I'm asking about facts" retorted Mr.
Britten-
'.f you have any facts give them,'' re-
The discussion was finally stopped
with q suggestion that 1t was matter
for executive session consideration
Chairman Oliver of the subcomn1it-
tee said that he expected a number of
leading naval authorities, including
those abroad. would furnish inforna-
tion to the committee particularly
regarding the Nays work overseas. He
announced that part of the sessions
would be public, but those. at which
subjects considered Navy secrets were
discussed would be held in executive
session
The purpose of the Investigation. he
said. Is to learn. what the Navy has
done and give it a clean bill OF health
II the facts warrant.