Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-21
Statement Not Correct.

Gen. Sharpe said that statement was
not entirely correct and that the de-
psrtment exercised much supervision
of the contracts.
question Of quality of the American
Army clothing.
Isn't it a fact that the standard OF
our uniform is inferior to the European %
he asked. isn't it IA per cent less in
wool thickness than the British?"
Admitting that the British use heavier
cloth. Gen. Sharpe said Gen. Pershing
has asked to buy uniforms in Europe OF
the American standard.
isn't it unsuitable to trench work p
asked Senator Frelinghuysen.
o. Z. for Trenches.
NO said Cen Sharpe 1--WE asked
Gen. Pershing II any changes were needed
and he wants to buy our quality over there.
He has suggested only that spiral put
tees be substituted-for trench work only
he wants change in the hats and has
wear and socks are all right. The over
coat has been shortened slightly. to al
low more free action. And slickers have
been substituted for ponchos."
Knows Of No Interference.
Have you ever been interfered with
by the council of defense or other in
terested persons in making contracts? %
asked Senator Frelinghuysen.
Not to my knowledge" the quarter
master general replied.
In further inquiries into the contract
Of the council of national
defense, Gen. Sharpe insisted that the
departments function in making and
approving contracts is not merely
formal. He said that the council se-
lects manufacturers and makes prices
but said department officer Col
Harry ]. Hirsh, sits with the council
in negotiating contracts.
Wasn't it necessary to call in these
civilian advisers in order to get produc.
tiong' asked Chairman Chamberlain
'In my opinion, 1t was said Gen
Sharpe, insisting emphatically that ar
organization similar to the council /.
absolutely necessary, but recommend.
ed that it be modified along the British
system.
Shortages Due to Late Deliveries.
Late deliveries were blamed by Gen
Sharpe for overcoat and short coat short
ages. He insisted that there is no shoe
shortage.
Senator Hitchcock. reading from ths
quartermaster generals annual report
said il appeared that 100000 overcoats
were on hand and only 100000 men ir
service.
You could have given two apiece to the
men abroad and still have one each fol
.
cock.
Gen. Sharpe said that his report showed
orders. but that many had not been de-
iivered by factories.
Much was not delivered until Noyem.
ber or this month";" said the witness
There has been great complaint tha
men in camp have not. been furnished
lovercoats," said Senator Chamberlain
Your report shows that you did
have them. either ordered or delivered
"ordered, But Not Delivered
'They were ordered. but not deIiv
ered," Gen. Sharpe insisted. The lary,
deliveries were late"
Gen. Sharpe said that numerically
an oyercoat has been furnished TO,
every man in camp, but he said man,
sizes are too small. because men of tn,
draft are unusually large in stature.
The same trouble regarding shoes
because of too many small sizes. nrac
tically at Camp Custer, was stated h,
| Mai. Hardeman.
aOur soldiers were being crippled h,
tight shoes. and nothing was being don
| from August till November" Sonata
| Hitchcock complained. referring 10 de
| lay of the department in adopting
new shoe-making device that wou,,
obviate trouble of tightness. e. G. mis-
| of Boston. prominent manufacturay
submitted the device, and SENATE
Weeks asked that he be called.