The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1917-12-21

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the committee learned in the first few
days work has been made public to
show that the complaints and the in
| quiry are warranted. The brunt falls
on the ordnance and quartermaster
| generals bureaus, though the chiefs Of
these bureaus are not considered per-
sOnally to blame. The senators want
| to learn the real causes of the delay in
supplying arms, artillery and all other
munitions to the nations fighting
fOrces-a delay that is admitted and
that is usually laid to the old red tape
methods Of the war department. Con-
gress furnished plenty of money. and
the question is why was it not expend-
ed quickly and wisely? General Perish
ing's troops, it appears, have had to
rely on the British and French for ar
tillery and other supplies, and the men
I'm the American training camps have
been very inadequately furnished with
rifles, warm clothing and other neces-
stiles. These are only few of the
complaints the committee is investi-
eating.
Secretary Bakers reply to criticism.
an assertion that Americas military
preparations have evoked the admira-
! ton of the experts of other ntaions,
can scarcely be taken as an adequate
defense of the methods of his depart
ment. In explaining the delay in OBJ
tanning machine guns General Crozier.
chief of the ordnance bureau declared
that Mr.. Baker himself was to blame.
The whole thing should and probably
will result in the creation of a real SUI
perior war council, and the sooner this
is done. the better for America and the
world.
The railroad question Is claiming
much attention of the administration
and President Wilson intimated last
week he would soon address congress
on the matter and ask legislation. 1t
appears he does not favor actual gov
errrment ownership of the roads. but
rather the creation of an adminstra-
tor or board of transportation with
power to direct the employment of the
! joint resources of the railways in what
ever manner is deemed best for war
purposes. Under this plan the roads
would be operated by their present
arrangements and would be guaranteed
fair profit.
Leniency for Austro- Hunearians.
In his proclamation of state of war
against Austro-H Hungary President Will
son announced an unexpectedly lenient
policy in the treatment of subjects of
the dual kingdom in America. SO long
as they behave themselves they are
left free TO reside and labor in the
barred zones closed to Germans. and
they are not required to register with
the police and postmasters. This
policy was hailed with joy by thou
sands Of Czechs Bohemlans and Poles
who hate Austria, and also was great
relief to many employers who had
feared their industries would be Grip
pied. If the conduct of the Austro-
Hungarians shows they do not properly
appreciate this leniency, they will be
| placed under the same restrictions that
apply to subjects of Germany.
In prosecuting his campaign for the
conservation Of food needed for the
fighting forces, Mr.. Hoover last week
added porkless day, Saturday, which
he asks everyone to observe. In addi-
| ton to the wheatless and meatless
| days, he urges wheatless and a meat
less meal each day. The federal trade
| commission having been Informed that
canned goods are being boarded in the
warehouses of the meat packers. an
investigation of this was started at
once.
The coal situation is becoming more
and more serious with the increasing
ly cold weather. The administrations
or various states are complaining bit
terly of the hardship imposed on their
people, and in Ohio only the stern in
PREVENTION of Fuel Administrator Gar
| field prevented Governor Cox from
selling the coal at the lake ports. In
| the senate the conditions brought out
| severe criticism Of the railroads and
Of the government priority board.
Several more Of the American rail
way engineers In France have been
killed. this time by aerial bombs drop
| ped by the Germans I'm town through
which the engineers were passing.
The successful military revolution In
Portugal Is causing the allied govern
ments some uneasiness, for while the
new government set up announced that
Portugal would remain faithful TO her
pledges, the insurrection was directed
against the most trusty friends OF the
allies, and some Of them, Including
PRECEDENT Maehado and Premier Costa.
have been Imprisoned. DR.. sidonio
Pneg. who LED the revolt. hrs bec'
uade prem1sr and forvisn W