The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-14
Daniels Department Given Clean Bill by Oliver and
 His Colleagues
CHAIRMAN GIVES OUT !. SUMMARY OF FINDING
Congressmen Making Inquiry Are Wonderfully Impressed by Splen- did Accomplishments of All
 Divisions and Bureaus

Washington, January 13.-Complctc satisfaction with the work of the navy's ordnance bureau md it's pre- pnrcsness far war is eapres>eds bs lscp- rcscntative Oliver of Alabama, chair man of the House naval investigation subcommittee, in statement tonight summarizing for his colleagues results of the ordnance phase of the Inquiry.
 '"The testimony convinced the com- mttee,'' says the statement, that the prevalent belief and opinion as to the pavy's readiness are well founded"
 INTERESTING FACTS
 Many interesting facts brought out ill secret session are disclosed by the chairman. Among other things, he says more than HOO merchant ships have been equipped with guns and ammun- ton by the navy since the steamer Campana was fitted out March II, last, and that appreciable quantities of guns, large and small. with ammunition for them, have been furnished to England, France and Italy. Many merchantmen of the allies in addition to virtually the whole American merchant fleet have been armed to fight submarines.
 The committee was so impressed, after exhaustive inquiry. by the efficient man. ner in which the bureau had in every way performed the extraordinary duty which war imposed, says MT. Oliver, that the committee directed me to make a summary of what was ascer- tained in the hearing and investigation.
 SATISFIED DEMANDS
 The bureau so far as could be learned. has fully satisfied the demands upon by the vessels operating in Euro pean waters. A letter from Vice Ad- miral Sims compliments the work and spirit of the ordnance department. Other officers in the war zone. writing iE similar vein, have given like testimony.
 "As a preliminary to it's hearings, the committee visited the offices of the hu reau and personally examined into the organization and operation of the ad- minstrative details The committee was most favorably impressed with the busi- ness organization. Inquiry revealed the fact that practically all letters are answered on the day of their receipt. By a system of progress reports and follow-up methods provision exists to .n- sure the actual delivery of material. The signing up Of contract marks but the beginning of action; the follow-up and thorough inspection systems, and the policy of full cooperation with the manufacturer insure prompt delivery
 The organization of the bureau in time of peace has been developed so as to make it an organization for war, with and efficiently, notwithstanding the fact that the expenditures have increased from about saO.Ooo. 900 to more than $500 OO0O00
 DEVELOPES NEW MATERIAL
 Despite the pressure placed upon the bureau by the demands for more ord nance material of standard types, it has been able to develop much new material, including large depth charges. new sub marine bombs, nonrichochet shells. bomb-dropping sights, howitzers. guns for throwing depth charges. smok. screen apparatus, heavier ordnance on aircraft and many other important de- signs which we feel it unwise to dis close. and made much progress on es- sential articles of lesser importance
 "yvhere there were shortages in the. market of various materials. the bureau took steps immediately to develop new sources of supply. It placed contracts rapidly and the committee Is confident that the nayy's needs for ordnance dur. ing this war. are fully covered by exist ing contracts and with the capacity now. under it's control.
 Reserves of ammunition and shelil have been acquired and money placed