New-York tribune., 1918-04-30
Concealment of
Truth Criticised
Reform in Aircraft Produc-
tion Already Begun,
Hitchcock Replies
.IStaf CoyTespondence]


situation for the President, for
which the s64o,o00ssao appropriated for
aircraft has been expended reused hot
debate in the Senate to-day.
The interview with Borglum, printed
in "The New York Times" yesterday
morning, was printed in "The Congress
sional Record by Senator Brandegee,
of Connecticut.
"Mr. Gutzon Borglum, the author Of
reputed author of that article" said
Mr.. Brandegee, sis constituent of
mine. He lives at Stamford, Conn.
He was formerly a great friend o,
President Roosevelt. l believe he diff
fored from him in the last campaign.
But in my opinion he is a loyal, pa
triotic American. l know nothing
against him personally. I have the
highest respect for him, and I hav.
absolute confidence in his loyalty and
patriotism.
"He told me that the President had
given him written authority which he
could take to the War Department,
access to all the sources of informa-
tion about our aircraft production.
That was several months ago.
Borglum Had Difficulty
81 think that great difficulty lay in
the way of his getting access to those
sources of information, from what he
told me. l think he was more or less
obstructed, but he got it, at least he
told me he got it, and l thought that
his opinion and information were of
sufficient Importance to warrant this
being laid before the Committee on
Military Affairs I made appointments
with several of the members of the
Senate committee with Mr.. Borglum
in order that he might lay his informa-
h tion before that committee that they
might investigate it and ascertain
whether or not he was right or wrong.
'lf the situation as to our aircraft
production is anything like what is
delineated in the blistering words of
that article, it behooves this depart
ment of the governmental legisla-
tive department--to take some measure
to ascertain the truth.
at is asserted in The New York
Times, which is friendly newspaper
to the Administration and not hos
tile critic. that the President ap
pointed this man to make this lnvesti-
cation. and that he has made private
report to the President, embrac-
ing the charges and allegations con-
tanned in that article, and that the
President has never made it public.
81 do not know whether or not the
President ought to make it public;
do no know whether the article
ought to have been written; but l do
know that the Senate of the United
States, i'll this agony, with the civiliza-
tion and the future of the universe at
stake, ought to try to know the truth
about these things, and ought not
longer to be squelched and camouhaged
and kept in the dark while we wage a
war to make the world safe for demo-
cracy' and publicity
Doesn't Know Qualifications
"What is the business or.profession
of Mr.. Borgum?" inquired Senator
Phelan, of California. u strong Admin
istration follower.
"Ile is sculptor" said Mr.. Brande-
gee.
"Tas he any qualifications to Judge
Of flying machines ?" demanded Mr.
Phean.
II do not know" confessed Mr.
Brandegec. with mock humility "The
President selected him, and, therefore,
| think probably he did not have many
qualifications"
Senator Norris. OF Nebraska, in
quired il Mr.. Borglum was affiliated
with an aircraft organization.
"lt has heen intimated to me-" said
MIR Brandegee, that some aircraft
association or board whether it is the
ono that II. y. Baker brother of the
Secretary of Mar, is connected with or
not 10 not know has made some sort
40 a ~, ~ Inn $f.N
ground that he may possibly be inter
Vsted IN NlrSrN3 Nroductiois, know
and care nothing about 81 ! want the
sFNth aNo3S thsS sltWAtiHA and | think
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sNNat,oR sVvh es Is eNtANed | thlak
y weNld ne, hS lMRseeeY fer Vs Se knew
about that"
"rhe Military ANalrs Committee."
said Senator nl,eheoek, ~dla aet ALTA
Eether neglect aN investigation of Mr.
hnrStumS statement, had several per.
senai NtesA,ews w.th him. and spont an
evening going oVor his pApers.
II believe | can stats fairly that ne /
has no valuable Information that has
not already IN some form reached tho /
eammtttee.
"ile received the letter from the
President IA January. tie gathered
maHs of material which was, in my
opinion, not very dependable. He told /
me at the time he could place before
the committee very denaite informn- /
ton II the committee would subpoena
Witnessed.
~ told him the committee would be
glad TO do this. 10 he would furnish /
names and addresses. He said he would !
do ae. hut for some reason or another,
although called upon several times, he |
failed 10 do H.
~ assume that he did NOT feel sure
OF the information he said he had |
Information which might. II true, have
led to criminal prosecution, and, II
true. would have reflected upon indi. /
vidnAis in public employment at this
time
"in view Of the fact that Mr.. norsg.
lufn failed TO give ths names and al.
dresses ai individuals WIN might h.