Arizona republican., 1918-01-11
Secretary 0f War
 Defends Work M
 Raising Big Army
TRepubIican A. p, Leased Wire1

RcpuOllCaN A. F. GcdSCu WllCI
 WASHINGTON, Jan. 10.-Every phase of the war departments prepara- tions for battle against Germany was outlined and defended by Secretary Baker today before the senate mili- tary committed He answered those who have criticised the department during the committees investigation with the assertion that no such army as that now under the American flag ever had been raised, equipped or trained so quickly, and that never be- fore had such provisions been made for the comfort and health of an army.
 The secretary read an exhaustive statement when he took the stand and when it was concluded questions began to fly from every side of the committee table launching a cross examination that probably will continue all day to- morrow.
 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 supply purchasing system. MT. Baker admitted there has been some mis- takes and delays but declared that all fighting men in France were adequate lv equipped and armed, and that all sent over would be. He took full re- sponsibility for delay in approving d machine gun, holding the value of Browning gun now developed was worth it. He also said the superior weapon obtained by having the British Enfield rifle -chambered for Amerl- can ammunition compensated for the delay there.
 Million and Half Under Arms
 More than 100000 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 sec ret purchasing system of the depart ment. MT. Baker, however, insisted that it was essential to guard against pub- licity concerning plants engaged or war work.
 The secretary said he cancelled the much discussed rag sorting contract or the recommendation of the quarter master general and because the gov ernment proposed to do the rag sort ing work itself. The Base Sorting com pany, he said, was to get profit ol only one-half cent pound.
 Senator McKellar referred to the re- lationship between Samuel Kaplan ot the supplies committee and a brother interested in the sorting plant and Sec retary Baker said he did not know ot the relationship until recently.
 Do you think a policy of that kint is wise?p
 Tt has turned out to be unwise,' said Secretary Baker. But you can get anybody to buy things wisely un- less you get men who are experienced in their business"
 How much did the blunder or what ever you may call it, cast the gov. ernment?" asked Senator Chamber lain. Nothing. Mir. Baker replied
 Questioned about secrecy attending the awarding of army contracts Secre tary Baker declared he issued an lorde that they not be made public and tha he considered it a wise policy. Secrecy Is Opposed
 | Senator F'relinghuysen declared tha | the criticism levelled against the sys tenn was that the policy of secrecy per mitted some men to get contracts, bu prevented others from getting tn | business.
 ! MT. Baker SdlQ ne never was dQ vised of the change in specifications b, which shoddy was used in suniforms He had been advised the uniform were adequate when shoddy was used
 The secretary said he had not beel advised of any shortage of wool ant that he knew nothing of Boston woo men offering the government larg quantities of wool at low prices sool after the outbreak of war. He did no receive an offer from the Western Woo Growers association to sell it's entir cut at a price to be fixed by the gov ernment and the offer was referred t the raw materials committee of tn council of national defense. He did no know what was done about it.
 The question of buying up the coun try's wool supply involved a matter o government policy, said MT. Baker Asked specifically why the war de partment waited from April to Jun 16 to take up the question of WOO
 Secretary Baker said many other ques
 tions were up for consideration.
 Secretary Baker said no complain
 ever had come from General Pershin
 as to the light weight of uniform.
 Uniform cloth was ordered in Englan
 by Pershing, he said, not because h
 could get better quality but becaus
 American deliveries were slow.