The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-08
ATTACKS MADE FOR USING GUNS OF ALLIES WHOLLY UNDESERVED
These, Like Many Other Structures on Conduct of War, Come From Un-
 bounded Ignorance of
 Men in Background
By HUGH W. ROBERTS

Washington, January 7.-(Special.1-De' spite criticism which is daily belnl heaped on the head of Secretary Baker and the war department, it comes from high authority that no defense will be raised until time is judged opportune.
 It is learned, too. that while publica- ton is given to the average criticism, developments of a favorable nature are suppressed at the suggestion of the war department for fear that the enemy might acquire valuable information.
 CRITICISM RECKLESS
 From member of Congress who is an authority on this topic, 1t Is learned that nothing could be more reckless than criticism of the department based on tho fact that American soldiers in France are armed with heavy guns lent by Eng land and France.
 France and England have lent and are lending heavy guns to our troops. he said Tt is in accordance with a previosu arrangement. Tn the first place, the allies have guns but are sadly in need of men. In the second place. we can send England and France in our vessels articles of food and clothing and munitions of war, in which they are con- stantly in despesrate need.
 FOLLY TO SEND GUNS
 Tt would be folly to send heavy guns at great expense to France when they are not needed in the present emergency. and when at greatly reduced expense we can send men, food, fuel. clothing and munitions"
 This genEen,aw continuing bis re-, marks. authorized The Aye-Herald tp say that irrespective of criticism, the troops of the United States in France are well prepared for any emergency and along the most intelligent lines.
 LIBERTY MOTOR PERFECT
 Washington, January Z-(Speciai)-The liberty motor, invented and manufao- tured in the United States, is the most nearly perfet for air requirements In tho world. This is the opinion of American. French, Italian and English experts, who, after examination and repeated testing, have given testimony before the subcommittee of the naval affairs com mittee of the House.
 The government has expended gerat ef- fort in perfecting a motor to be used In American airships, and the verdict of ex- perts is highly pleasing to officials. The government is becoming more and more imbued with the idea that its air fleet will be one of the principle agencies in the ultimate destruction of the German army.
 It is learned in this connection, that in addition to building it's own fleet, the government is sending necessary ma terials to England, France and Italy for the rehabilitation and extension of the air fleets of those allied nations.
 CHAMP CLARK ON ALABAMA
 Washington, January 7.-(special) Champ Clark, speaker of the House, has returned from visit to relatives in New orleans. He had an experience in Mont- gomery which tends to indicate the den- sity of the state capitals war ulation, to prove that tho average Alabama ne- gro has lost none of his cunning, and that the speaker, even despite serious handicaps, Is able to take care of him. self.
 There was no diner aboard" said the speaker. but we were given 90 minutes in which to get something to eat in 1 Montgomery. Mrs. Clark and I decided to take refreshments in the station cafe. There were only three walters and the place was crowded. When 15 minutes | had elapsed, we had not been served even with water. I therefore decided to visit the lunch counter. Before the counter were hundreds of soldiers. I saw that it would be impossible for us to breast that tide Therefore, I very quietly slipped half dollar into the itching palm of an agile negro. The ne- , gro disappeared. and the earth evidently smalow ed him up. At any rate, haven't seen him since. A<
 About that time I was getting des- perate. I began hollering and bawling. Soon managed to get two cups of cof- fee but no sandwich of any variety. It was obvious that we would have to re- turn to the train with hunger unap- peased. But inadvertently spied glass case containing certain delicacies I raised the top and dipped both hands within. I pulled them out full of jelly back to our Pullman"
 The speaker has often visited Mont gomery, and thinks a great deal of the historical place. But for his previously conceived opinion. however, Montgomery at present might not hold deep position in the gentleman's affection.
 SEWER MENTIONED Washington January 7--tSpeciai )--In the event Director General McAdoo ap- points assistants in the various states.