Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-06
INDEFINITE EXTENSION
Of SENATE CONTROVERSY
Developments In War Cabinet and
Munitions Director Debate Show
Settlement Unlikely.
EXPECT FURTHER DISCLOSURES
Secretary Bakers Rcappcarancc Be-
Tore Committee Will Lead to
Cross-ENanination and Basis for
wildly Exaggerated Statements"
EXPECT FURTHER DISCLOSURES
fRy Asaoclatcd prcss.l


WhSHiNGTON, February 5.-Dcvcl-
opmcn,s to-day promised indefinite cx-
tension Of the controversy in tho Son
ate over war efficiency and the Mill
ttary Committees bills for a war cab
inc, and munitions director.
Senator Wadsworth. Rcpubiica n
committee mcmhcr. delivered pre-
pared speech in behalf o; the propose
legislation, criticiaiuE what ne de-
scribcd az utter lach of system and
comprehensive planning In the govern
!ncnt's Mar activities. There were no
replies to-day by administration spokes-
men, but several expect 70 speak to-
morrow. and in spite OF efforts 10 cur
tail Tho agitation. 50 many Senator'S
have indicated their intention TO prepare
addresses on one side or the other that
tho discussion probably Will continue
into next week AT least.
Senator Shields. Democrat and SEN
ator Eirby. a Democratic committee
member. plan 70 speak tomorrow. the
former TO attack the constitutiorality
OF tho committees measures and the
latter 20 defend the army's operations
in 4 review Of the committees cviCcnrc.
Senator's Mcclellan. Dcr,ocra. and
Weeks. Republican, both committee
members. arc framing addresses in
support OF The legislation.
Further disclosures OF the e ,ern-
,ncnts military proEram are expected
tomorrow when Secretary Baker re-
appears before the Military Committee
for DISCRIMINATION. The .ccretary's
statement 20 the committee last week
that half a million men would he in
France early this year and another
million in readiness to go having been
attackcd yesterday by Senator Hitch
cock as absolutely prcpostcrous" and
wildly exaggerated" because of lack
Of shipping, Mr.. Baker may give the
committee tho information on which nc
based his assertions. He VIII b. qucS-
toned abou, various phases of his
statement, and viii he asked 10 20 into
details concerning his Reorganization OF
the War Department. the manufacture
OF ordnance, the aviation prosra-n and
other subjects.
LARGE ROOM SECURED
TO ACCOMM0DATE CROWD
In anticipation o: a crowd OF spec
tato-s at the hearing, the committee
has arranged 10 secure the large room
IN the Senate Office Building where
Mr.. Baker appeared las, week.
The Military Committee had expected
10 croaa-eXanine Secretary Baker to-
partmcn;'s activities. but Chairman
Cham bcr!ain requested postponement
because OF o-day's debate.
senator Wadsworth replied 20 asscr-
t!ons made by Senator Williams. Demo
crat, yesterday. ;hat the proposed war
cabinet legislation was stupid
,panie! Willard, presidcn OF the BAL
,i'porc and OHIO Railroad; Earnard la
ruch. Director Clifford. of the Council,
OF National Defense. and Waddili
Catchings. chairman OF tho war com
mittee of tho United states Chamber OF
Commerce he said. appearing before
the Senate committee. all urged the
Capitalization of Authority in order 20
bring order out OF chaos"
II submit tina: these men arc not
stupid nc continued. IL submit they
know more about it than an! Senator
OH this floor or the average army OIL
Ger. This legislation springs from the
expert testimony Of those men"
The New York Senator conceded that
reorganization OF the War Department
as made by Secretary Baker had re-
suited in Improvement. but con;cnded il
affected that department only. Such
citizens as have been summoned to aid
the government can act under tho cX-
ist:nG law only In advisory capacities.
England Canada and France. he re-
, minded the Senate, have been compelled
to ccntralizc authority In the purchase
, of supplies.