New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-05-12
Lester P. Barlow Says He
offered Similar Evidence
to Senators
Hearing Refused
Before Committee
n Letter to Chamberlain
Demands Whole Truth
Be Revealed


WASHINGTON, May 11.-Lester P.
Barlow, New York engineer and in
ventor, to-day Endorsed the statement
made by Gutzon Borglum that the ex-
nose of Borglum's connection with GER
tain aero interests was "frame-up" to
discredit him.
Barlow further charged that officials
Of the War Department were engaged
now in an attempt similarly to discredit
him. In letter addressed to Senator
Chamberlain, chairman of the Military
Affairs Committee Of the Senate, Bar
low urges that the aircraft production
charges be sifted in open hearings and
asks that he receive an opportunity to
establish the truth of serious charges
made by him against officials connected
with the aircraft programme.
II realize tina. the statements have
made are of serious nature" said
Barlow, "and if l cannot prove them
may expect to be sent to the peni-
tentiary, and. if l am a liar, l should
be shot"
Wants Whole Truth Revealed
His letter to Senator Chamberlain
reads:
aWhat is the full meaning of the
statement attributed to you by the
daily press, that your committee will
60 to the bottom of this aircraft scan
dal? Is your committee going to de-
nasvo {ho poon1o and optrop than, uy;tb
whitewashed false-bottom just short
Of the truth? If there is anything that
the German government may we'll de-
sire, it is that the American people
shal continue ignorant of the condi-
tions in the United States.
"The German government also de-
sires that those at whose doors the
blame lies continue to delay our war
work Every days delay in getting
efectual reinforcements over seas is
playing in the enemies hand, damag
ing. to our nations cause, and, indi-
rectly, tantamount to murder of brave
ing material support from home.
There have been numerous investi
cations of the aircraft situation, but
conditions apparently remain the same.
Americans are tiring of it and demand
ing that you throw omen the doors and
pursue an investigation that will re-
veal the entire truth, through the
press, that all may know; with the
truth out America will at once pro-
ceed with the successful production in
this branch of war work, the produc-
tion of airplanes and all of their equip
ment.
Says He Gave Evidence to New
For the last several months I have
tried almost continuously to get the
Military Affairs Committee to investi-
gate the conditions affecting the aerial
programme. About the first of the year
! submitted to Senator New, commit
tee member, documentary evidence
which supports criticisms now being
made Of the manner and spirit of con-
Quoting the aerial programme. Since
then Senator New las several times
told. me that he has spoken to you about
navlng me appear at some of the COM
mittee's hearings of matters and Off
Gals connected with the aerial pro-
gramme.
"On my first visit to the committee
chamber at an open session / was in
trodlced to you as a man who knew
the real state of affairs in several de-
partments of our so-called aerial pro-
gramme. You will perhaps remember
saying then: What are you getting out
& ei TINS? think you are all dishonest
AT that time ! warned you not to
question my loyalty, but you left the
room without changing your state
ments: That same afternoon ap-
peared before your committee, presum-
aoiy to testify in open session. 1t
seemed to be the desire that General
Squier and Colonel Deeds, both there
present, should break down my testi-
mony before the newspaper men. but
Neneral Squier whimpered and Deeds
reused to talk, and doors were voted
eiosed. with the newspaper men out
side. Why?
Says Squier Still Hedged
Several members desired to have
me go on with my testimony in secret
session, but General Squier still
nedged; then the committee voted me
OUT also. That was once that the com
mittee did not, and apparently did not
care to. go to the bottom If the com
mittee had kept open session that day
!ne American public would not now be
= ignorance of the distressing condi-
nave existed, in the aircraft pro-
gramme.
am IN Washington again and ready
appear before the Senate Military
Aua,rs Committee in open session, but
aO. behind closed doors. am ready to
ssslst you in going to the bottom. I
ave played an important part in
naI,cas Ls!lca's aerial programme, and the
yssuuc sc knows me as an engineer. The
tne,rican tss, people are entitled to the
s.ai. a.n. The claim that the closed doors
sss.on during these sessions keeps in
drvn dnssion sN from the enemy. is simply
rot, and the American people are
&anning to realize it."