Republican farmer., 1918-01-18
CHILLED
 BY COMMIT TEE
 OF U. s. SENATE

Bakers examination today before the Senate military committee was warm ed up by rapid cross fire of ques- tions by senators of both parties who did not agree with the generally favor able view of war preparations depict ed by Mr. Bakers statement of yes terday.
 The senators said his declaration that war supplies were adequate would mislead the country. Senator Weeks declared the country should not be lulled to sleep by a general statement of facts that don't exist"
 MT. Baker explained that he meant to convey only the impression that all the men ready for the fighting line were adequately equipped. Senators Wadsworth and Weeks, Republicans, and Senators Chamber lain and Hitchcock, Democrats, took the lead in cross examining the secre- tary, and at times handled him with out gloves.
 When Secretary Bakers eXamina- ton was resumed today Chairman Chamberlain said there were fears for powder production.
 ''The situation is satisfactory and I think supplies are and will continue adequate" replied Secretary Baker.
 Senator Wadsworth asked about the board of labor standards which testi- mony has said has pacifists and so- cialists among it's members and is re- quiring new specifications in army cloth contracts which will reduce pro- duction.
 T know their character and expert qualifications well,'' said Secretary Baker in defense of the board. Turning to artillery, Senator Wads, | worth assailed the ordnance bureau for not continuing manufacture of Trench 240 millimetre guns instead of proceeding with manufacture of American 9.5 guns, none of which has been delivered and whose ammunition is not interchangeabl with the French
 | Secretary Baker said he thought but was not sure, that the department was making the French type and promised to give further information 1 There has been no explanation vel l given to the committee" said Senator 1 Wadsworth, pounding the table with his fist
 i Senator Wadsworth asked whether in view of the shortage of artillery and machine guns the secretary statement that there were sufficient supplies substantially for rush needs was correct.
 "Yes, perfectly, as understand it. said MT. Baker. "Our rush needs are satisfied'
 Senator Chamberlain asked Baker how he could say that when canton. ments were short rifles and machine guns and artillery.
 t'I mean that we have sufficient fol the men actually engaged in fighting
 You mean then that there i: enough for men in France" said Sen. ator McKellar.
 "Yes," said the secretary.
 "Your statement that we have sub- stantially enough gives a wrong i'm. pression to the country, when we have only enough for men actually in tho fighting and not for those in train. ing" said Wadsworth.
 T agree with Senator Wadsworth,' , said Chairman Chamberlain. "tha- your statement gives wrong impress sion to the country. It was not youl purpose, but it is it's effect"
 What I meant to say and what ] 1 want the country to understand" MT Baker replied earnestly, lis that all the troops in France will be adequate. ly equipped with artillery and arms Probably. observed Senator Chamberlain.
 q have assurances to that effect Baker insisted.
 MT. Baker admitted ordnance wa: needed for training men in camp Time needed to train men in France he said, will give time to increase ordnance supplies.
 Senator Weeks cited the genera ordnance shortage at Camp Bowie Tex, testified to by Maj. Gen. Creole commandant.
 '"You have given the impression that every camp has enough rifles Senator Weeks observed. How car you conform that to the statemen that there are no requirements of ar. til1ery ?"
 "I didn't make that statement, said MT. Baker.
 You gave that impression"
 T said initial rush needs are filed explained MT. Baker.
 But you ought to define youl statement; it gives the country the impression that every need in "the camps IS supplied said MT Weeks.
 Reverting to delays in machine gul deliveries, Senator Hitchcock deplor cd tardy contracts for Lewis guns anC MT. Baker rejoined that large pro duction of Browning guns would be gin in February.
 4 This aroused Senator Hitchcock.