The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-12-19


three weeks ago. is expected to begin
this month, Stoddard said.
Best Even Invented.
The new Browning gun, Stoddard
declared, lis absolutely the best ever
vinveRted." The Lewis gun is differ
ent from the Browning, he said, and
each has its particular functions.
If the war department, when asked
for orders last February, had given
them, Stoddard added, by today 40,-
600 Colt machine guns could have
been delivered.
"The ordnance bureau simply
wouldn't listen, wouldn't give any
orders" he said.
/ Delay in producing the modified
/ Enfield rifle, because of the war de-
partment's negotiations, was ex-
| planned by Vice President Otterson,
of the Winchester company. Negotia-
tons began last April, he said, and
contracts were not let until July II.
Deliveries began in August.
Before receiving orders, Mr.. otter
son said his company began in April
to make 10000 new Enfield's on a
chance they would be satisfactory.
The first large order by written
instructions from General CroZier, he
said, was on May "a.
Then, the witness said, Colonel
Thompson, Of the ordnance bureau,
insisted upon new and higher
Standardization, which would have
delayed production between two and
six months.
General CrOZier then was called Inc
to conference with the manufactur-
ers and decided that production
should proceed. His firm. Otterson
said, began deliveries in August, a.
month after signing of contracts,
when new orders were received from
Major Woodbury. to push production
regardless OF the new standardiza-
ton requirements. His firm, Otter
son stated, is two months ahead Of
deliveries.
Yesterdays Session.
From Representative Mccormick
of Illinois, who recently visited the
European battle front, the commit
tee heard statements in executive
session yesterday, Intended to con-
tradict testimony OF Major General
Crozier. chief OF ordnance. regarding
the furnishing OF Pershing's equip
ment. especially heavy artillery. Mr..
Mccormick said neither the British
nor the French had enough artillery,
and that they were supplying PERISH
ing only because the Americans were
still worse OF.
AS a result Of the charges of de-
LAYS and shortages in the ordnance
Quitting, the senate Just before adj
iourning for the holidays. Indefinite
ly postponed action on the nomina-
ton Of General Crozier for reappoint-
ment.
Evidence supporting General Cro-
zier's statement regarding prospects
OF increased production OF ordnance
was given to the committee by
Samuel Vauclain, vice. president
Baldwin Locomotive company. and a
member Of the civilian advisory
committee OF the war industries
board in charge OF munitions work.
He stated that the supply would be
adequate in the future to equip the
American forces.
No Artillery to Spare.
In a statement issued last night,
partially summarizing his testimony
before the committee. Representative
Mccormick said neither France nor
Italy has any artillery to spare.
'The British" said Mr.. Mccormick.
who in proportion to their front
have more guns by far than either
OF their western allies. according to
their chief military authorities. will
not. have guns enough until next
spring. The guns which the French
give us, they give us because the
immediate necessities Of our little
army in France are even greater than
their own
General Petain said to me: Make
guns. Send us guns and ammuni-
tons, rather than steel billets We
are grateful for the little force you
have sent us. The echo Of It's foot
falls carried hope 20 every heart in
France. but as 1t grows, there must
re 4 period when we shall Be taxed
to supply it While It's numbers
slowly increase you Americans. who
are a great industrial people. must
see that war Is au Industry ~ de-
atuefi0n. Tou wiz understand how
urgent IL is 10 send is guns. middle