The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-01-12
SAYS BAKER 5
I.tI:PIOnT UECEIvES
The Senate ProberS Disagree
With Him.
ARE INDIGNANT AT HEARING
Secretary of War Admits There 10
Only Guns Enough For Troops in
France. Not For Camps.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12.-S ere airy OF
War Bakers examination before the
senate military committee was warm
ed by a rapid cross fire OF questions.
Senators OF both parties did not agree
with the general favorable view Of
preparations depicted in Mr.. Bakers
sta ement.
T senators said his statement
that war supplies were adequate
would mislead the country. Senator
Weeks, Republican. Massachusetts,
said the country should not BE- lull-
ed to sleep by general statement of
facts that do not exist
Mr.. Baker said he meant to convey
only the impression that all the men
ready for the fighting line were ade-
quately equipped.
Senators Wadsworth and Weeks,
Republicans, New York: Chamberlain.
Democrat. Oregon. and Hitchcock.
Democrat, Nebraska, took the lead in
cross-examining the secretary. At
times they handled him without
gloves
Senator Chamberlain opened the ex.
animation by saying fears were felt
over the production of powder for the
army.
THE situation is satisfactory. I
think supplies will continue ade.
quate," replied the secretary.
Senator Wadsworth asked about the
board Of labor standards. This board
it has been testified, has paciflsts and
Socialists among its members.
Il know their character aid expert
qualifications WELL" said Secretary
Baker.
Senator Wadswor.h said the boards
requirements were so rigid production
Of army garments is being delayed.
Delay is slight, Secretary Baker an,
swered He said the health of fac
tory workers is an important consid-
Grafton. 81 must disagree with you
that the delay is slight" said Senator
Wadsworth.
The senator then said witness had
testified the boards standards threat
enn to cause strikes and require EN-
ployers to receive labor leaders. He
thought labor agitators would stir up
trouble. Mr.. Baker denied knowledge
that any considerable number Of con-
tractors were refusing to execute con-
tracts because of the new standards.
Senator Wadsworth assailed the
ordnance bureau for not continuing
manufacture of French 240-millimetre
guns instead Of American 9.6-inch
guns. none of which has been deliver
ed. The ammunition Of this gun is
not interchangeable with the French.
Secretary Baker said he thought the
department was making the French
type. He promised to give further IN
formation.
There has been no explanation vet
given to the committee" said Senator
Wadsworth, pounding the table. He
asked whether, in view of the artillery
and machine gun shortage, the secre-
tary's statement that there were suf-
ficient supplies substantially for our
needs" was correct.
Perfectly, as I understand It," said
Mr.. Baker Our rush needs are salts
fed"
Senator Chamberlain asked Mr..
Baker how he could say that when
environments were short Of rifles, ma
chine guns and artillery.
81 mean we have sufficient for the
men actually engaged in fighting"
"You mean there is enough for men
in France" said Senator Mcclellan.
Democrat, Tennessee. yes"
"Your statement that we have sub
stantialIy enough. gives wrong i'm
preston, when we have enough only
for the men fighting" Senator Wads-
worth interiected.