Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1918-05-15
CURRENT EVENTS
BY
Frederick B. Heitkamp

INVESTIGATION and probes seem
10 be very much in order. The aircraft
program and the recent aircraft board
are now being investigated by the De-
partment of Justice and also the Sen
ate Military Committee This is di-
rect result of the charges made by the
sculptor, Mr.. Borglum, to the effect
that graft and gross injustice to the
country has been in evidence in this
branch of our military program.
Counter claims have been made
against Mr.. BogluIa, stating that he
was personally interested in manu-
featuring schemes related to aircraft
production. Whatever may be the out
come of the investigation it is hoped
that such affairs will tend to promote
more effective work in all departments
of the government connected with
war preparations.
IN ENGLAND there have also been
charges of inefficiency and oflse in
formation. Gen. Maurice asserted that
Premier Lloyd George had given out
misleading information as to the mill
itary preparations of the allies. For
mer Premier Asquith offered a resolu-
ton for the investigation of the
charges but his motion was lost by
large majority The important thing
to note in this connection is the alb
solute backing that Lloyd George is
seen to have and the fact that he is
still in absolute control, maintaining
the confidence Of the British people.
GEN. MAURICE has been retired by
theArmy Council of Great Britain fol-
lowing he charges which he made
against Lloyd George.
our Army prepar. ions have been
splendid, states Secretary of War Ba-
ker. We have sent to France since
January first over five hundred thous-
and men, Over a million and quarter
have. been called in the draft and we
have two hundred thousand in the ma
w with one hundred and ten thous-
and in the naval reserve. The calling
of the men to the ciIors hasbeen ac-
complished with even greater than
the hoped for speed.
INCREASE in the draft age limit is
being contemplated. It is thought that
in time 1t viii reach forty years,
which viii mean great increase in
the number of men in Glass one.
WHEAT PRoDUcTioN-in this
country bids fair to reach the million
bshel yield that is hoped for Farmers
over the country are planning to raise
considerable more than in previous
years, and in the south especially has
the planting been cry heavy Wheat
is to play an important part in the war
and we shall welcome a large crop
this fall.
THE SUBMARINE BASE of the
Germans at Ostend has been partially
blocked ship loaded with concrete
was sunk this week in the channel
leading to the base, and while the
blockade is not entirely effective it is
thought that with the silt and tide
very formidable obstruction will be
created. This is the second attempt
of the allies to check the U-boat ac-
tivities by reaching their base.
NO ADDITIONAL tax legislation is
looked for in this session of congress.
1t was thought for a time that in spite
Of the response of the nation to the
Third Liberty Loan that new taxes
would have to be levied to meet the
increased expense of our Government.
Secretary McAdoo is now of the opin-
ion that we need not call for them
during this session-which will give
us chance to put our money into
the Golfers of the Red Cross and Y.
NJ, c. A.
THREE THOUSAND American troops
paraded in London this week. They
were reviewed by the King and ueen.
Premier Lloyd George and the War
CabIIfet. Ihey march just like our
Welsh troops" remarked Lloyd George.
people were much impressed by the
sight and called the increment the
''Huskies."
FEDERAL CoNTRoL-of the man
facture of articles for the allies has
been put into operation The War
Trade Board and the War Industries
Board have taken this important step
to further aid in the conserving of
materials and labor for our war prep
aRations.
RUMOR had it the first part. of the
week that the American troops that
went to France would not be brigaded
with the allies but that they would be
held in reserve. That has been abso-
lutefy denied and it Ia stated that our
men are to see service just as soon
as they are ready for it. The fact that
General Pershing has given the con-
4ESaa OF aasE. men 10 4hsa ei,rlseey,eo ons.e