South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-23
..BLAMES CAPPS
FOR DELAY IN
STEEL SHIPS
Hurley Declares Admiral Re-
fused to Close Contracts
Made by GoethaIS, Hold
ing Work Back.
Press Service

Associated Press Service:
WASHINGTON. Dec. %. - Testi-
mony today OF shipping Board Off
Gals in the senate's investigation of
delays 10 the ship building program
disclosed that the start on construc-
ton of fabricated steel ships was de-
layed two months by the refusal of
Rear Admiral Capps. formerly gen
eral manager Of the emergency
fleet corporation. TO close contracts
negotiated by his predecessor, Maj.
Gen. Goethals. until many altera-
tons i'm them were made.
The fabricating construction de-
lay and other delays 10 the program
We're brought out in questions ask
ed by the senate committee conduct
ley and John A. Donald Of the ship
ping board: Charles Piez. now gem
eral manager of the corporation,
and Rear Admiral Bowles. his aide.
Some Of the causes for the gem
eral delay in both steel and wooden
construction were given by the wit
nesses as, changes in specifications,
differences between Admiral Capps
anG builders and slow delivery of
materials The emulation OF de-
lays Mr. Hurley admitted under
questioning. brought about the re-
cent reorganization OF the feet cor
poratiOn which ended in Admiral
Capp's resignation.
DisclOscs Timber Shortage.
The wooden building program was
heldback. largely, Mr.. Piez testi-
fed, by the inability of southern
pine producers 10 deliver timber
The condition Of affairs was uncov-
cred by an investigating committee
headed by Mr.. Piez which made tour
of the yards for the shipping board.
Whose fault was that?' Mr. Piez
was asked.
Il do not know" he replied. 81
understand that the southern pine
association promised 10 deliver the
timbers and then fell down on the
order"
What are you doing to correct
the situation ."
I'VE are having fir brought from
the Pacific coast"
Many contracts already let for
wooden ships in the east will have
TO be transferred 20 the west, Mr.
Piez added. i'm order TO get the yes
sells completed as sufficient timber
cannot be had in the east.
Gets Under Piez's Collar.
Sen. Nelson directed long series
of questions at Mr. Piez TO learn
why a practical ship builder would
not he a proper man for general
manager
Are YOU a ship builder" asked
the senator
NO" replied Mr. Piez. but I
have had large experience in or
ganization and manufacturing
work"
Don't YOU think il would be bet
ter 70 have practical builder at
the head Of the shipping program -
Il have engineering training and
have a force of experts under me-"
Finally. Mr. Piez said somewhat
sharply:
Il want YOU 10 understand. sena-
tor, did not seek this place
took il very reluctantly"
The. change in design of the
wooden ships after construction was
begun drew some criticism from
members Of the committee.
Says Ii Was Unfortunate.
Sen. MARITIME asked Mr.. Piez who
was responsible. The reply was that
the change was made by Civil En-
gineer Ferris. the corporations de-
signing expert.
Don't you think that shows in
competency? asked the senator II
would say" replied Mr.. Piez. that
il was unfortunate"
Yes. the senator said. "unfortu-
nate ignorance"
The committee taking up the op-
Grafton of ships. sought TO develop
If the army has handled inefficiently
the ships turned over 10 il. on
cials OF the hoard explained that
thev are now investigating that sub
jeci
Rear Admiral Bowles prese nted
figures showing the present progress
of ship construction. but the COM
mittee decided TO keep the statistics
coz fdential.