Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-08-22

Senate Committee Wants
Mere Speed And Encour-
ageemnt for hVentars.

ageemnt tor hVentars.
Washington. Aug. ss.-RecOmmending
one man control Of aircraft produe-
ti0n, encouragement of invention and
reduction Of profits on future con-
tracts. the senate airrraft sub-eommit-
tee today submitted its report to tAe
military affairs committee.
The investigation disclosed waste o.
money and lack Of common sense policy
early in the war. the committee de
elared. 1t said that while many dis
appointing results were disclosed.
much has been accomplished. and the
committee is glad to report that while
il believes that there are many things
vet TO be remedied, nevertheless we
are approaching period when quantity
production Of planes may soon be
hoped for
Three primary causes fer the failure
of the aircraft program to measure up
to the army's needs were set forth in
the report, which was read 10 the
committee today. They were:
That the airplane program was large
ly placed in the control of great auto
mobile and other manufacturers who
were ignorant of aeronauhcal prob
lens.
Condemn Plan Adopted.
These manufacturers undertook the
impossible task of creating a motor
which could be adapted TO all classes of
flying craft. 1t is not too much to
say that our airplane program has been
largely subordinated to the liberty
motor.
We failed at the beginning of the
war to adopt the common sense policy
of reproducing the most approved types
of European machines in the greatest
numbers possible. This should have
been carried on eoincident with the
program of the liberty motor. This
sound policy has been very recently,
but after a lamentable lapse Of time,
been adopted.
These mistakes, the report declared,
would probably have been largely
avoided if the aircraft program had
been under the control of one man,
assisted by skilled aeronautieal engin-
eers and practical flyers to design and
test our machines with production made
subordinate to them"
supply is Inadequate.
The supply of planes on the American
front is WHOLLY inadequate to meet
requirements of modern warfare" the
report declares, adding that the United
States troops are forced to use many
antiquated machines discarded by the
French. -
This is due, in large measure the re-
port declares, to the failure of the
United States to keep its contract
with France for furnishing raw ma.
terials for construction of aircraft.
A total of ALA English and French
planes have been delivered TO the A.
merriam forces, the report states.
While the order of the president ere
Iating a military bureau of aeronautics
and a director Of air production is an
Improvement upon previous conditions,
the report states, the committee deems
lit necessary to recommend:
Recommendation Made
That the recommendation Of last fall
of one man control be observed.
That a commission Of engineers aud
pilots for observation at the front,
formed in relays be named.
That in view of the prime need OF
the hour, machine quantity production
should he accelerated by enlisting the
constructive abilities Of all responsible
concerns engaged, or which can be en-.
gagged in the busiress.
| That aircraft development and pro
duction be taken up not only as a mil
itary necessity but as an industrial and
commercial problem.
That better arrangements be made
for taking advantage Of new inventions
That the margin Of profit, particular
! ly on motors, be cut down.
That planes and engines rejected
should be at the cost Of the producer
not the government.
That aircraft factories be better pro
tected against fire.
Review Of Work.
| AHf ftpVNi ApthNu win q f'NlNN
of what has been accomplished, pre-
faced by statement that in the opin.
| ion of the committee, a substantial
part Of the first appropriation for air
craft was practically wasted.
This appropriation made July "a, 1917
was sT40,000,000.
Summing up the aircraft situation TO-
day the committee reported that Hwhile
an army Of trees OF one half million
has been razed, the situation is as
follows:
"Six hundred and one DeHayiland
f0urs have been embarked for France
lup 10 August 1918.
"Of these 81 had reaehed the front
by July J.
"On August 7, squadron Of Is De
Hayiland fours flew over the German
lines. Details Of lis performance have
not been received.
..ESs have not a single American
made ehasseaf fighting plane upon the
battle front.
fWe have not single American
made heavy bombing plane upon tho
battle front.
ave have not developed and put in
quantity production single success
ful ehasss or fighting plane.
! fgur affesrrf 70 create a fighting