New-York tribune., 1918-01-12

WASH1NGTON,eJan. 11.-Defcicncies
in army equipment we're the subject of
sharp cross-examination OF Secretary
Baker before the Senate Military Com
mittee to-day.
For three hours the War Department.
head was under rapid fire questioning,
both from Democrats and Republicans,
who frequently by word and gesture
expressed disapproval of conditions dis
closed. Sometimes they fatty disagreed
with the Secretary's assertions, and
pointed to testimony previously heard
to contradict him.
Apparently little ruf1ed by the Wig
orous quizzing, Mr. Baker, admitting
and further detailing certain shortages,
reiterated his formal statement Of yes
terday that supplies are substantially
adequate for "initial rush needs"
Committeeman insisted that his state
ment was misleading to the country,
even though unintentional, and gave the
public a wrong impression Of condi-
tions. Senator Weeks declared it had
"luled the country to sleep"
Secretary Baker explained that what
he meant when he spoke of adequate
supplies was that all troops who go
abroad to actual fighting are and will
be amply equipped. In response to
questions, he said General Pershing was
short Of motor trucks.
Summarizes Shortages
Shortages In this country, below esti-
mated needs of February 1, he sum-
married. as follows:
Saddles, so per cent; saddle blankets,
40 per cent; canteens, 40 per cent; with
large deficiencies Of pistols and cart
ridge belts, as we'll as small arms am
munition.
Statements Of the Secretary that
quantity production of the new Brown
ing machine guns would begin next
month were sharply challenged by Sen
ator Hitchcock, who said the Secre-
tary's figures we're four times greater
than General Crozier's, and that the
discrepancy was "astounding." Secre-
tary Baker promised further eXamlna-
ton of the differences.
w p1CPdiC 4Oh Woi Nr'
brought up by Senator Wadsworth. and
Secretary Baker insisted that needs for
preparedness in 1916 were as obvious
to Congress as to the executive branch.
Events since, he conceded. would have
made larger military appropriations
advisable.
Mr.. Baker left the stand early to at
tend a Cabinet meeting. He will be
back tomorrow for further cross-eX-
animation.
A letter modifying his testimony that
shoddy had not been used in navy gar
ments was received during the day by
Chairman Chamberlain from Paymas-
ter General McGowan, of the navy.
When before the committee the rear
admiral said no shoddy had been used.
Through investigation since ne had
testified, he wrote to-day he had found
that q comparatively small order had
been given for overcoats, containing 35
ger cent of shoddy. as specified for
strmy garments by the supplies COM
nittee Of the Council OF National De-
fence.
When Secretary Bakers examination
was resumed to-day Chairman Cham
berlain said there were fears for
powder production.
Powder Situation Satisfactory
"The situation is satisfactory, and
think supplies are and will continue
adequate" replied Secretary Baker.
Senator Wadsworth asked about the
Board of Labor Standards, which, test-
mony has said, has paciiists and Social
lists among its members and is requir-
ing new specifications in army cloth
contracts which will reduce production.
81 know their character and expert
qualifications WE'LL said Secretary
Baker in defence Of the board.
Senator Wadsworth said the boards
requirements were so rigid that pro-
duction of army garments is being de-
.layed.
. Any delay is slight, Secretary Baker
said, and the health of factory workers
Is an important consideration.
81 must disagree with you that the
delay is Slight" said Senator Wads-
worth
Senator Wadsworth said a witness
had testified the boards contract stand
ards threaten to cause strikes and re-
quire employers to receive labor lead
ers. He thought labor agitators would
stir up trouble.
Mr.. Baker denied knowledge that any
considerable number Of contractors
were refusing to execute contracts be-
cause of the new labor standards.
Senator Weeks thought the board
had too large and very drastic powers,
but MIR. Baker contended the boards
functions are purely advisory Chair
man Kerstein, he said, was a Boston
business man, Captain Krensi an army
officer and the third member, Florence
Kelly, social welfare worker.
Senator Weeks challenged the state.
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