Bisbee daily review., 1918-01-11
EVERY PHASE OF WAR WORK
 GONE INTO bY
 SECT'Y BAKER
Secretary of War Upon the Witness Stand Before Sen ate Committee. Rea d S Statement at the Beginning
By Review Leased Wire,

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 - Every phase Of the war departments prep arations for battles against Germany was outlined and defended by Secre- tary Baker today before the senate military committee He answered those who have criticised the depart ment during the committees investi- gation with the assertion that no such army as that now under the American flag ever has been raised. equipped or trained so quickly and that never be- fore had such provision been made for the comfort and health of an army.
 The secretary read an exhaustive statement when he took the stand and when il was concluded questions be gan to fly from every side of the com mittee tablesI launching a cross ex- animation that probably will continue all day tomorrow
 Delays Questioned.
 Chairman Chamberlain and other committeeman wanted to know par ticularly about delays in furnishing machine guns and rifles and much at tentiOn was devoted to the army's sup ply purchasing system. MT Baker ad- mitted there has been some mistakes and delays but declared that all fight ing men in France were adequately equipped and armed. and that all sent over would be He took full reSDOnSi- bility for delay in approving Q ma chine gun. upholding the value of the ,T said the superior weapon obtained by having the British Enfield rifle re- ehambered- -3ers American ammunition compensated for the delay there.
 More than 1.500.000 Americans are now under arms, Secretary Baker said. and an army of substantial size already is in France ready for active service.
 Members of the committee were frank in their disapproval of the secret purchasing system of the department. NIT. Baker. however, insisted that it was essential to guard against pubIiCi- ty concerning plants engaged on war work
 Tells of Contract.
 The secretary said he cancelled the much discussed rag sorting contract on the recommendation of the quarter master general and because the gov ernment proposed to do the rag sort ing work itself. The Base Sorting company. he said. was 10 get a profit of only one half cent a pound.
 Senator McKellar referred to the relationship between Samuel Kaplsn of the supplies committee and a broth CT interested in the sorting plant and Secretary Baker said he did not know Cf the relationship until recently.
 Do you think a policy of that kind is wiser"
 Tt has turned out to be unwise, !" said Secretary Baker. But you can't get anybody to buy th'ncs wisely ua- less you get men who are experienced in their business"
 How much did the bunder r what ever you may call it cost the govern ment?" asked Cenatcr Chamberlain.
 Nothing" Mir. Reksr replied
 Secrecy Questioned.
 Questioned about secrecy attending the awarding Of army contracts. Sec retary Baker declared he issued an or der that they not be made public and that he considered it a wise policy.
 Senator Fre'iaghuysen declared that th criticism levelled against the sys- ten was that the policy of secrecy permitted some men to get contracts. but prevented others from getting the business
 MT Baker said he never was adyis-
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