New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-12-19
WASHINGTON BUSY
IN QU|zz|NG HEADS
OF DEPARTMENTS
CONTINUED From First PaEe),

said is to learn what the navy has
done and give it a clean bill of health
If the facts warrant.
Secretary Daniels gave a general re-
view of what the navy has been doing,
avoiding, as he explained, disclosing
any facts that would be of value to
the enemy. He told how the navy is
now building 424 capital and other
important ships.
Discussing the use of submarine
chasers, he said they were regarded
as a necessity and there was mo great
enthusiasm about them as weapon
for permanent effectiveness"
Naval aviation he said, has made
gratifying strides but has been ham
pered by lack of manufacturing facili-
ties.
The secretary praised the co-ordi-
nation between the navy personnel
and the personnel of the Allies.
One of the great problems, he said,
ships.
1--WE made these reserve ships" he
said,"a school for gunners and the
efficiency with which these officers
have taken hold of the young men
of the big things of the navy in this
war.
ITO the best solution of problems
we hope to have suggestions and help
from this committee and from Con-
grass. We do not claim we have done
everything in the best possible way
or that we have not made mistakes. I
believe, however, when you know all
we have attempted we will receive
your confident judgment that we have
done as we'll as possible under all cir
cumstances.'
Secretary Daniels told how, in the
exigencies at the outset of the war,
keels had been laid where there were
swamp lands but few months before
and how mechanical equipment had
been developed.
Most contractors, he said have been
fair and patriotic.
There have been a few" he said,
1--WE had to take by the nape of the
neck They came in saying they want
ed to do their bit, but really wanted
their Bit
He, did not like the "cost plus ten
per cent system, he said, but it was
the best the navy could do to get quick
action and it had been necessary.
A tiff between Secretary Daniels
and Representative Britton enlivened
the session. Britton asked what COM
plants had been made to the Navy
department by Vice Admiral Sims.
II think that is not proper ques-
ton to ask said the secretary.
will say though inasmuch as the ques-
ton has been asked in open session,
rrixy
everything that the navy has that it
could give" Secretary Daniels did
not believe mere gossip should be
banded about. IF Admiral SIMS"
he added, sis not getting everything
that is needed, it is a matter for opera
tons to say whether he should have
it. Operations has spent itself giving
all that Admirals Sims needs that the
department has.
IT think this is very petty and
small business"
I'm asking about facts" said
Britton.
eff you have any facts give them,"
shot back the secretary.
Britton said he hoped it was not
the desire of the committee merely to
show the favorable condition of the
navy.
''If a commanding officer here or
abroad" said Britton, complains that
he is not getting what he wants, it is
proper to ask about it,
LAS to whether every requirement
of Admiral Sims on the European sta
ton has been compiled with" replied
the secretary, cor whether every mat
ter of strategy has been complied
with, I would say these ought not be
asked about. Admiral Sims has made
no complaint He asked for some
particular man to go over there who
could not be sent because of other
duties. There is a perfect under
standing between Admiral Sims and
the department.