New Britain herald., 1918-05-17
Authorizes Tumulty to Say
He Is Opposed to "Covert
Provisions" Because He
Knows Their Purpose.
DENIES DETECTING
TO PLANE INQUIRY

Declaring Investigation by Hughes
Will Be Sufficient and War Depart
ment Would Be Hampered by Con-
gressional mquisition.
Washington, May 17.-President
Wilson today authorized Secretary
Tumulty to deny that he is opposed
to an aircraft investigation by the
announce he objects to the covert
provisions of the Chamberlain reso-
luton because he knows what it's
purpose is.
President Wilson's request for de-
feat by the senate of the amended
resolution Of Senator Chamberlain Of
Oregon, proposing broader authority
for the senate military committee to
conduct an inquiry into aviation, ord
nance and other army operations.
was supported in a minority report
filed today by Senator Thompson of
Kansas, chairman of the senate eX-
penditures committee. The Chamber
lain resolution had been referred to
the expenditures committee and Sem
ator Thompson was joined in his re-
port by Senator Jones OF New Mexi-
co, another democratic member OF
the committee.
Dragnct Proposition.
Even as amended by the expendi-
lures committee majority, Senator
McKellar Of Tenn. democrat, and
Senators Smoot Of Utah and France
of Maryland, republicans, the minor
ity mem bers declared the Chamber
lain resolution is a mere dragnet
proposition and is unnecessary in or
der TO enable the military commit
tee to continue it's inquiries as a res
olution passed shortly after the
United States entered the war gave
the committee ample authority to
conduct investigat tons and asserted
that the original Chamberlain reso-
luton contained very extraordinary
recommendations. Senators Thomp-
son and Jones asserted that the re-
vised draft is little better than the
original as wholesale inquiries into
various departm ents are directed
whether there is any necessity there
for or not.
!! Considers Hughes Inquiry Sufficient.
The minority report stated there is
no objection to full exercise by the
| military committee of its proper In
quisitoria1 authority but referred to
appointment Of Charles E. Hughes to
investigate the aviation situation as
assurance of a full and complete in
| vestigation.
1--WE are favorable to a most thor
ough and complete inquiry into the
aircraft situation,'' continued the re-
port, "but call attention to the fact
| the department of justice which is
| equipped with every facility is now
| most actively engaged in that work
| and that the Hon. Charles E. Hughes
| has just been appointed by the presl-
| dent to assist, which ought to put at
| rest any possible feeling that for any
| political or other reason a full and
| complete investigation might not be
made even though the committee,
| lacking authorization, might not con-
! tinue its work"
The report said there was no ne
cessity Of employment Of experts and
assistants as provided in the Cham-
berlain resolution and appropriation
! Of $4,000 which would exhaust the
senate's contingent fund.
Would Hamper War Department.
Regarding the general inquisitorlal
| powers proposed in the chamberlain
! resolution the minority added; .>
1T must be noted that the resolu-
ton not only gives authority to but
also directs the military committee.
lit is evident the numerous inves-
tigations specified will cause great
| annoyance and interference with the
necessary war work now going on In
the most important branches OF the
war department. If the department
| should attempt to answer the re-
uuirements which may be made upon
1t in the terms of the resolution
much of the time Of its oft1cers anu
employees would be required ana the
| department prevented from deVotlns
the time and energy required 1or
performance of essential work In the
actual prosecution of the war SO Vital
to the country at this time.
President wilson's answering op-
nosition to the resolution prevailed
j in the senate today when leaders or
to hrIY, hn