The sun., 1918-12-12
BAKER CHALLENGES
WAR OFFICE CRITICS
Tells Manufacturers Army
Was Equipped without Cor
ruption or Scandal.
HIGH PRAISE FOR TROOPS
Says Men Will Como Home
Morally Fit and Will Need
Work, Not COddling.
HIGH PRAISE FOR TROOPS
SnlIni Despatch to TIE srN.

ATLANTIC CITY, Dec. 1.-THE worlds
history never has produced an army
TO compare in high morality or in
lighting power with the army the
United States sent overseas. Newton
D. Baker, Secretary of War. so told
the annual convention OF the National
Hardware Association and the Ameri-
can Hardware Manufacturers Asso-
clation here to-day in a speech which
summarized the part American husi-
ness played in preparing America for
the contest and at the same time is
sued a challenge TO critics of the Ad-
mlnistra;ions expenditures.
Congress has appropriated in a
year and a half 1900. 900 900 for the
waging OF the war" said Mr. Baker.
In the same period the War Depart
ment placed contracts amounting to
$4,000, 100000. We found 1t possible
with the signing of the armistice to
save through the cancellation Of con-
tracts more than $4,000. 000, 900, SO that
the cost of the War Department was
nothing like twenty-four billion dollars
and may not exceed twelve billion.
I'VE expended this money without
corruption or scandal. There have
been here and there human agencies
too weak to Withstand temptations. but
throughout there have been rectitude
and efficiency, as well as patriotism
and zeal. am not claiming any credit
for the War Department, for the re-
suits were not the work OF the War
Department but Of the people.
NO finer spectacle ever greeted the
human eye than the American army
in France to-day. When you see the
American army your heart. IL you are
a normal American, will be near to
the bursting point with sheer pride
from patriotic emotion you will not
deny. Almost universally young,
brawny, smooth faced. they are an
inspiration to every American at
home.
"As you saw them in France under
all conditions, in battle array, in camp
and on the high roads, even IN the
hospital after battle, where their own
issue was in doubt, you saw free men
who knew why they were marching.
The American army. made in America
and finished in France. fighting like
heroes and living like gentlemen, play
ing with the French children, fra
ternizing with their parents, romping
across No Mans Land with death star
ing them In the face, never lost its
dash for second, nor lid ever hear
a whimper from any of them.
What the Soldier Deserves.
""These men are coming home; we
must ask ourselves what We are going
to do for them. Historians say we
change our emotions, a case of ac-
ton and reaction. Philosophers are
looking to us to forget our patriotic
bias and embark headlong on a course
Of self-interest pursuits.
These soldiers deserve better from
Us than that. These brave boys OF
ours are bringing their virtues home
with them. If the opportunity is open
20 them, the man who was brave in
Dattle will be brave in life; men who
"ere willing to die for their country
I'LL be willing to work for il.
Problem of Reconstruction.
I'VE must make America worthy Of
tie cost of the war. build up our in
Gustries, realize the possibilities Of
"ir community life and recognize the
eed for cooperation and growth
through the strength of our people.
When the history OF the war is writ
ten there will be chapters devoted to
the romance of the part played by
business as absorbing as the romance
OF the soldier. Our losses in man
power have not been so great because
~ the lateness of our entry into the
var We have no such grave problems
70 face as France and Great Britain.
our machinery for war was a great
product Of genius of the American
Teople, and If the nation can get out
OF the way of industries, by speedy
withdrawal. the limitations and re-
Strictlons Of natural resources which
were necessary during the war the
genius and talent OF American bust
ness will assert itself and the prob
lem Of reconstruction will be we'll
upon its way to solution.
Il don't think there will be any
prolonged control OF business. Ext
gencies of war, which required Gov
eminent control no longer are pres
'nt What we need is that the in
formation based upon business and
INDUSTRY accumulated by the Govern
Hent should be placed at the disposal
OF business. Hearty. conciliatory CO.
operation is needed"