New-York tribune., 1918-05-18
Both Sides Avoid a Test
Pending Result of
Negotiations
"Covert Purposes
To Be Eliminated
Resolution Providing for
Limited Aero Investiga-
ton Expected to Pass

WASHINGTON, May 17.-Both sides
in the Senate controversy as to
whether the War Department shall be
Investigated avoided test to-day. The
Observation-Disclosures forces and the
Presidents supporters were alike con-
tent to wait over the week end before
joining in decisive issue.
A compromise seems the likeliest
outcome. This probably will permit an
investigation into aircraft, circum-
scribed in such a way that all public
attention will be fixed on the Hughes
inquiry. Many Senator'S who desire an
investigation but who did not feel free
10 dare the Presidents friends and
opponents" challenge are working tow
ard such an agreement.
For the Chamberlain Hitchcock group
this will save a possible defeat which
might result in no more Senate in
quiries of any kind during the war.
But no one doubts but that under it,
the President wins his main point-no
interference" which would really hurt.
Both Sides Welcome Delay
That better bargain may be had by
those favoring the Senate inquiry is
hoped ~ some Senators on the ground
that the Administration, if it felt sure
OF its ground, would have pushed the
tight to-day while the Presidents bold
ends-or-opponents" letter was fresh
in public attention.
The announcement of delay came
from Senator McKellar, of Tennessee,
Who said that the resolution authoriz-
ing the investigation would not be
called up for action. Senator Chamber
lain joined in hoping that "a salts
factory arrangement" could be reached.
ons reason why the Chamberlain
forces were willing to agree to a de-
tg Nss statement, made by President
Mdson this afternoon, that he would
Ses cpposS an aircraft inquiry, but that
ne would continue his fight on "the
covert purpose" behind the invest;pa-
tion resolution. They felt that this
was decided fallaway from the preyi-
ovs stand against all inquiries which
might indicate lack OF confidence in
the executive branch of the govern
ment.
statements DO Not Agree
indeed, this statement left two of
the Presidents most stalwart support
srs In something of dilemma. They
we're Senators Jones, of New Mexico.
and Thompson, of Kansas. Early in the
cay. these two men, in submitting
minority report on the resolution au
thorizing the inquiry, said:
:. That Mr.. Charles E. Hughes
mas Just been appointed by the Presi-
dent to assist, which ought to put at
rest any possible feeling that for any
political or other reason a full. and
complete investigation might not be
made, even though the Committee on
Military Affairs should not continue its
enorts in that behalf"
IL appears now that these two NAV
De called on to explain that while no
S:nVestlgatlon is necessary at all, there
~ no objection to one which hasn't
covert purpose"
Republicans Give Approval
Senators Lodge and Borah, perhaps
~ prearrangement, explained UPON the
aoor THIS afternoon the attitude of Re-
puolicans toward the Hughes appoint
Ment. Senator Borah denied that Re-
Ruohcans were dissatisfied with it or
.eit their party had thereby been
tricked. Senator Lodge arose and asked
borah had heard any Senatorial con-
.versation which would indicate other
tnan perfect satisfaction, and Borah
replied he had not.
q however. cloakroom talk as to the
political play" has not abated. It is
suggested that possibly Borah and
iEodge feit that party record, for pub
nc consumption. should be made.
Pledge to President
representations we're made privately
70 Administration leaders by those
supporting the resolution, with the re-
guest that they be conveyed to the
resident before Monday; that there
q no Interior purpose to launch a gem
efal inquiry into the conduct of the
var, as suggested in a statement au-
dent. ~ '"e AicSi-
Inc principal controversy now seems
~ oe over authorizing military sub
mi!tces proposed to consider aircraft.
SIunance and other phases of war
preparation during the coming recess
OF Congress. e''
administration leaders contend such
snes INQUIRIES might be dragged along all
summer. Compromise amendments
tMsntaawely accepted by supporters of
sa. sas chamberlain resolution would sub
sm.ute s...1 smaller sum than the $4,000
rrssnorized rsnaed for the committees ex-