New-York tribune., 1917-07-18
Mcclellan Charges Inside
Rings" Dominate Army
Contracts
u. S. "Milked" Of
$4,OOO,O 900, He Says
Vote on Proposed Limita-
tions to Food Bill Will
Begin To-day
fFrom The TrIbunt Burtaul

Washington, July 17.-Members Of
the Advisory Commission OF the Coun-
Gil OF National Defence were again
griled to-day in the Senate debate,
the btterest attack being made by SEN
ator McKellar, Of Tennessee. Mr. Nc
Kellar attached much significance to
the fact that shortly after young man
had been given a majors commission
in the Quartermaster Generals Office OF
the War Department his fir 1. Stone &
Webster, had received a big contract
for cantonment construction way
down in Texas"
Senator Wadsworth inquired what
significance this possessed and asked
Mr.. McKellar if he did nc know that
Stone & Webster had been doing a
large contracting business in Texas, as
we'll as many other states, for more
than ten years.
at has great significance for me-
said Mr.. Mcclellan.
Inquiry among Senators to-day re-
vealed that SECTION 3 of tie food con-
troll bill, which would prevent a man
like Howard f. Coffin from acting even
in an advisory capacity with regard
to government purchases If his COM
pany was to have any contracts with
the government, will probably be modi-
fed. II is believed that an amendment
offered by Senator Pomerene VIII De
adopted.
Publicity Provided
This provides that such men as are now
connected with the Advisory Commls-
sion of the Council of National De-
fence may continue their present rela-
tions. but that their business connec-
tions and their work in connection with
giving advice TO the Council Of Ma
tionai Defence itself consisting en-
tirely of Cabinet officers must be
given publicity.
The Administration is exeTting every
effort to overcome the opposition 10
the Advisory Commission in Congress.
The statement of Secretary OF the In
terror Lane, given to the press last
week. defending the commission ana
pointing out that all the actual pur-
chasing was done by others, is an evil
dence of the work being done by the
Administration in this direction. Also
there has been much letter writing to
Senators and many quiet interviews IN
which Senators were urged to discon,
tinue their opposition to council
which has proved of much value.
Food Bill Changes Urged
The principle revisions in the food
bill recommended by the Senate leaders
are for limitation Of government CON
troll of foods, feeds and fuels, including
kerosene and gasolene; creation OF
special board of food administrator
Of three salaried commissioners, IN
stead of administration by an lndiViu-
nal: fixing by Congress of basic MIN
mum nrice OF sl.75 per bushel for No.
| Northern wheat; extension OF gov
eminent licensing to elevators. farm
machinery. factories, packing houses,
coal mines and dealers, fertilizer pro-
ducers and wholesalers Of such prod,
nets and government purchase ana
sale. to secure reasonable prices OF
fuel wheat. flour. meal, beans and po-
tatoes only.
Voting on these proposals and other
amendments is expected to begin TO-
morrow. -.
Senator McKellar, in his speech crit
icising the contract policy of the Coun-
ellis advisory body, said the Z per cent
commissions for supervising construc-
tion OF army cantonment camps, VIII
milk the government" of about $50
600 for each of the sixteen camps: he
charged that "inside rings" dominate
contracts for the army, let without
competitive bids.
"Vultures in Capital
World-old standards of honesty and
ethics, declared Senator Johnson, OF
California, Republican. require that
Government representatives shall not
serve in a dual capacity-for them
selves and the government. Senator
Townsend. Of Michigan, another Repub-
lcan, warned that "a host of vultures
are focking to Washington" TO secure
war contracts, and that the opportunity
for graft, if not eliminated, might de-
velop a public scandal.
Shoe contracts were the basis OF
criticism by Senator Kenyon, of Iowa,
Republican, who said men were using
influence TO get contracts. and sdvocat-
ed action prohibiting government rep
resentatives from contracting for their
own products.
During the days debate Herbert c.
Hoover. the food administrator, also
was criticised by Senator Gore and
warmly defended by Senators Chamber
lain and Myers. Senator Weeks at
tackled the Shipping Board and its feet
corporations for not Fastening action
on the shipping programme. =,
The amendment creating the 1000
board as drafted by the leaders pro-
vides:
THAT the President is authorized
and directed to appoint, by and with
the advice Of the Senate. three commls-
sioners, at an snual salary OF $1,000,
who shall constitute a board of food
administration and who shall perform
such duties in carrying out the pur-
poses of this act as the President shsl
direct. One of said commissioners shall
be farmer actually engaged at the
time of his appointment in the cultlva-
tion of the soil The President shall
designate the chairman OF said body.
Said commissioners shall hold office at
the pleasure Of the President during
the continuance Of the war