The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-05-07
ORDERS PROBE OF
AIRCRAFT issue
Senator Chamberlain Says Mil
itary Committee Will Find
Where Money Went.
MEANS NO WHlTEWASHING
In Process-New Charges of a
Sensational Kind--Glad the
President Approves.
MEANS NO WHITEWASHING
ASSOCIATED Press. }

Washington; May 7.-Chairnan q
Chamberlain, Of the senate mill
tary committee, announced in the
senate today that with the sup
port Of the senate, his cor,rittee
would investigate the aircraft
situation with a view of determin-
ing how and where the money ap-
propriated for that purpose has
been spent. 4-.,-f, ..--.
| Senator Chamberlain declared his
committee proposed To put it's finger
on.~men responsible for conditions IL
aircraft production and added ''tht
committee doesn't propose t. engage
| in any whitewashing process. either
In response to questions. Senator
Chamberlain unreservedly declared
not one American built battleplane
had yet been sent to Europe. although
material in large quantity had been
shipped abroad for assembly
Investigation of the aircraft situa-
ton swiftly began taking shape to-
day. both in the department of JUS
tice and in congress.
Atty Gen. Gregory. acting at Presi-
dent Wilson's direction, began PLAN
ming the investigation which is to
disclose If there has been malfeasance
or misuse of the great $640, ,000, 900 ap-
preparation.
At the same time. Chairman Cham
berlain, of the senate military COM
mittee. announced to the senate in
vigorous terms that the committee
proposes to have thorough inquiry
of its own. in which he declared IL
would attempt to locate the personal
responsibility. He promised the sem
ate there would be mo whitewashing."
Stirred by published charges cul-
rift1t tVa1x 80
order to the department OF Justice, SEN
ators began demanding a congressional
inquiry as soon as the senate con-
vened.
Senator Brandegee. republican, OF
Connecticut, was among the first to
call for one, and Chairman Chamber.
lain responded with his announcement
of the committees intentions.
He said the committee proposed to
put its finger on the men responsible"
and added:
THE committee doesn't propose 10
engage in any white washing process,
either
New Charges Sensational.
IN making his announcement. Sen
ator Chamberlain declared there had
been something radically wrong with
the whole program. He had never seen
the Borglum report. he said, but de-
clared the conclusions reached In the
II. Snowden Marshall report we're in
accord with those of the committee.
The senate committee. he said. was /
a part of the governments authorities, |
and added significantly he was glad J
the president approves its course in I
advance"
New charges of a sensational kind in |
with aviation are being |
brought forth daily. Chamberlain con-
tinued.
These charges are coming to me and
other members Of the committee every !
lay" he said. This committee Is de-
-ermined to do whatever is necessary
70 help win the war
Senaor Nardaman asked how many
American planes were abroad and SEN
ltor Chamberlain replied that not one
American built battleplane had been
lent there. although American mate
ials in large quantity had been shipped
or assembling.
People Ought TO Know.
"Our people ought TO be informed
ne senator proceeded. "of the truth OF
he situation, and they never have
cen"
Referring TO testimony Of Maj.-Gen
'quier, chiet OF the signal corps. before
ne committee regarding failure TO
rain $500 American cadets sent 20
rance. because no airplanes were avil-
BILE. and plans TO return them to this
ountry for training. Senator Cham
erlain said a large number Of the
adcts never had received any training
broad.
Senator Walsh. declaring the sta;e.
'cnt extraordinary" asked " Il we're
OF a confession OF failure" and what
Nplanatiou had been given.
The extreme optimism OF the chief
gnsl officer and those associated With
I'M" Senator Chamberlain replied. was [
ie explanation They thought. IN pei
ct good faith. I think. that they would