The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-15
Former Candidate for President
in Airplane Investigation.
He Is Conducting Amazing Re.
port for the Government.
IN FRANCE 1,746 U. S. FLYERS
But Only 1873 Have Been Pro-
vided With Equipment.
Nearly $500 Trained Men Here
Now Awaiting Orders.

disclosed that Charles Evans Hughes
has extended. his Investigations of the
work OF the aircraft production board.
His findings will not only include a
report on the charges that irregulari-
ties were permitted in the outlay of
funds. but will also give to the nation
comprehensive statement of the rsa-
sons for the boards failure to create
large number of planes for use
abroad. 1t is understood that the ex-
cation is undertaken with the approval
of President Wilson
From facts placed in the record
within the past few days, it is made
clear that Mr.. Hughes is running down
every report of inefficiency and that
he is acting with the thoroness
which brought him into the limelight
in the famous New York insurance in
vestications. Although. many of the
facts being adduced will never be
given to the public lest they reach
the hands of the enemy, much in
formation which up to this time has
been refused will be made public.
The evidence bearing upon the ef-
forts of the signal corps to give fronts
held by General Pershing's men :ade-
quate defense. it has been brought out
that there are now at the front 37S
airplsnes bearing American insignia.
These planes are being used by i26
American aviators, who constitute
seven squadrons. Few of the planes
are of American manufacture.
In France 1,746 U. S. Aviators.
There are now 1,746 American avf-
ators in France. A large share of this
number are ready to go into the dir
against the enemy, but only 126 have
been provided with equipment. There
is an, equal number of observers and
Ss367 enlisted men to act as mechan-
icians and airdrome men at work
completing the flying fields to be used
by the American forces.
That the training of aviators has
progressed with far greater speed than
has the production of aircraft is evil
denced by the fact that there are in
this country today 3,467 trained AVA
tors and 4,e22 observers and non-fly-
ing officers awaiting orders to proceed
to France. The enlisted men, many
of whom have finished their mechan-
ical training at the flying schools In
this country, total 99,0Ol.
The examination of witnesses Is
conducted behind closed doors at the
offices in the department of justice
building. Mr.. Hughes opens his near
ings at an early hour and they con-
tinue until late in the afternoon with
but a brief luncheon recess The wit
nesses slip in and out of the hearings
much after the fashion OF trust mag
mates summoned before a grand jury.
occasionally messengers are dispatch
ed t. the offices of the signal corps
and return with army officers who
carry great sheafs of records. Wit
nesses frankly say they are amazed at
the grasp of the situation displayed by
Mr.. Hughes.
Training 1894 Flyers.
II would appear that the capacity
of the twenty-seven training schools OF
this country is Approximately $500
men. At the present time there are
about 3,394 men being trained as avia-
tors at the flying schools, and 1898
at the ground or preparatory schools.
About 4,236 men passed by the ex-
amining boards are awaiting an OPP
portunity to enter the ground schools.
There are 1,0S6 men who are taking
advanced training courses in this
country, perfecting themselves in pur-
suit, bombing or observation work.
About $500 Americans are being
trained in schools in France. England.
Italy and Egypt.
Craft Board Orders.
From records brought up TO date
two weeks ago, IL appears that the air
craft board ordered $500 elementary
planes, 2.1eo advanced training planes
and 110Oo|combat planes. The en-
gines ordered comprise 10000 for ele-
mentary planes. 6.692 for advanced
planes and $500 for combat planes.
The program also included orders for
$3.50 propellers. 1.o77 balloons.
S43,735 bombs and thousands of ma
chine guns.
In connection with the use of ma
chine guns 1t is.now known that. Gen
eral Pershing recently advised that
steps be taken at once by the Ameri-
can designers to perfect plane which
would be able to meet in combat a
German airplane having three guns
tn zh rs nrnnallnr
and three guns mounted for use on
the sides and rear. 1t has also devel-
oped that much time and effort is be-
ing expended in an effort to perfect a
towering machine for use of OBJ
servers and bombers-
Airplane Deliveries.
Definite figures of deliveries of air
planes and equipment will not be
placed in the record of the evidence
until later. it is understood. 1t is
known. however. that planes delivered
from American factories include 1855
elementary, $40 advance, ia combat
and 1875 experimental. Engines de-
liyered include 6,126 elementary. 1,S25
advanced training and 1,043 combat.
More than 1855 propellers have been
delivered and more than 31,S46 ma
chine guns About 125 balloons. are
in use
1t is understood that pending ex-
PSAAAACAeS ~ Aai6c OF acflal
bombs will be manufactured. Up to
May Is, none had been delivered
Some OF the points at issue between
witnesses are the costs of various
equipment In view of the fact that
the question of price was frequently
subordinated for that of speed in
production. there is as vet no basis of
comparison for the claims of con-
tractors a. opposed to the arguments
presented by manufacturers who
failed to obtain contracts.
Cost OF Equipment.
It ould appear, however. that
there will be a thoro investigation of
the statement that the average price
OF the planes. propellers and parts of
an airplane is $1,000 and that any,
where flom $3.50 to $1,000 more Is
needed to equip the plane with an
engine and its spare parts. Some of
the manufacturers are inclined to