The Washington herald., 1917-09-02
DEFECTS FOUND
in AMMUNITION
Investigation May Follow
the Supply of Defective
Shells to u. S. Army.

Investigation by the War Depart
ment of the supply of an inferior
brand Of potassium chlorate on gov
ernment contract, which resulted in
the production OF inferior and semi
defective rife ammunition by the
Frankford arsenal is likely. Posi-
bility of Congressional investigation
was discussed In some circles, but
there is nothing definite to indicate
that Congress will take up the case.
The ammunition was to have gone
to Pershing's soldiers in France. 1t
was found to be one-third ineffective.
due to priming defects as a result of
the inferior potassium chloride. The
defects. discovered practically on the
eve OF shipment, resulted in a quick
change. The ammunition was en-
tirely replaced. the Ordnance Bureau
reported yesterday. and tested and
approved cartridges quickly shipped
In its place.
Details of the manner in which the
inferior drug was supplied and the
name of the firm or firms supplying
IT were not made public. 1t was as
serted, however. that while the car
tridges would have been ineffective for
real fighting they can be used for
slow firing in practice. and they prob
ably will be employed for target work
at training camps.
Baker Is silent.
: Secretary Baker made no comment
H.
ammunition was sent abroad in place
of the defective cartridges were given
by Gen. Crozier. chief of ordnance.
Details of the manner in which the
inferior drug was supplied. who was
responsible for passing it, and who
was responsible for approving the am
munition. as well as the name of the
corporation or corporations supplying
the Calcium chloride to the govern
ment. were not made known.
1t was declared, however. that the
ammunition. while il would not have
been good for war work or active
fighting. will be employed for slow
firing. probably in target practice. IL
is expected that the government will
use it for target work at some of the
training camps.
NtTsiOHS OF lHt 10 Inc erect
that some of the ammunition reached
France and there was found to be
defective were widespread in War De-
partment circles yesterday, but these
were denied by the Bureau of Ord
nance. which asserted that none of the
doubtful cartridges were shipped. al
though they were all ready for ship
ment when their defective character
was ascertained. Just how the dis
covery was made was not cleared up
in official statements.
Republicans were much interested
when they learned Of what may be an
army scandal. Several of them said
il the Congressional Committee on
the Conduct of the War proposed by
Senator Weeks and Representative
Madden had been in existence. no such
thing could have happened. The COM
mittee was authorized in the Food
Control bill, but was killed by the
conference committee between the
House and Senate. There was much
talk of reviving the movement to
PASS such a law.
May Start Inquiry.
The Military Affairs Committee of
the Senate. headed by Senator Cham
berlain, of Oregon, and. the House
Military Affairs Committee, OF which
Representative Dent, of Alabama, is
chairman, will perhaps join in some
investigation to find out where the
blame lies. Both Democratic and Re-
publican members feel that the times
are far too critical for any army
Officer to escape punishment he is due
because of his negligence. There is
small chance of any favortism being
shown or any one being whitewashed.