Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-25
CHAMBERLAIN SAYS
Ne VS. IS WITHHELD
FROM WAR LEADERS
Actual Conditions Described
in Letters and Evidence
Presented at Probes.
BLAMES WAR DEPARTMENT
FOR ALL CAMP EPIOEMICS
Carelessness, Inadequate Sup
plies and Lack Of Nurses
Responsible for Deaths.
KIRBY CHALLENGES CHARGE
Senate Abruptly Adjourns to Pre-
vent Debate-GlasS to Defend
Administration in House.
BLAMES WAR DEPARTMENT
FOR ALL CAMP EPIOEMlCS
KIRBY CHALLENGES CHARGE
IRy Associated Press.l

WASHINGTON. January .4-In q
three hour speech to tho scna;e to-
day. senator Chamberlain, chairman OF
the Military COMMITTEES. replied 10
President Wilson'S statement that he
had distorted the facts in charging
that the government had broken down
in its war preparations. lie declared
the President had grossly maligncd
him. and not only defended. but en-
phaticaliy reiterated his assertions
made in a recent address at New YosE
lie said the President did not know
the truth, and that he did.
Inc Senator disclaimcd any personal
rancor against either the President or
Secretary Baker. saying his only mo-
hrcs were patriotic. to rouse the coun-
try and TO speed up the war by wipinS
out inefiicicncy. In support OF his po-
sition he cited numerous incidents of
alleged incricicncy in connection with
army ordnance. clothing supplies and
sanitation brought out during the milf
tary committees war inquiry.
Senator'S and many representation
crowded The floor. aud the galleries
were packed AS Senator Chamberlain
spoke. He began quietly. declaring It
was with n feeling of sadness that he
found ii necessary to rise to a qucs-
ton of personal privilege TO defend his
veraci;y and integrity. heretofore un-
assailcd, but as he launched into the
speech, he grew emphatic and at times
vehement.
When the Oregon Senator concluded.
Senator Kirby. member OF the Mill
tary Committee. replied on behalf OF
tho administra ;iCn, hatly contradicting
hat
brought out in tht investigation proved
the War Dcpar: inefficient. Then
the Senate adjourned until Monday To
cut of further discussion.
CARTER GLASS TO REPLY
TO SPEECH IN HOUSE
There was no comment either at the
White House on the Chamberlain speech
II is known, however, that administration
replies arc to DO made soon by senator
James in the Senate, and Representa-
tive Dent OF Alabama. chairman Of the
Military Committee, and Representa-
tive Glass. OF Virginia, in the House
Secretary Baker probably will make
his own answer Saturday. when he ap-
pears before the House committee
Representative Dent called at the de-
partment late to-day and invited him
to make statement to the committee
The Senate committees bill for
war cabinet, about which the contro-
rerSy ccnters. was referred without
objection to-day. to the committee. The
understanding IL that il also will bs
referred 10 the naval committee later
Senator Chamberlain detailed in his
speech what he declared was proof OF
army inef!cicn2y. He asserted that not
only was the President ignorant of the
truth about conditions, but that Secre-
tary Baker also was misled, challenging
from the Senate and the country to in
quirc and then deny his assertions
Despite the Presidents opposition. he
declared the committees army invcsti-
cation would proceed and the commit
tee plans to resume it's inquiry to-mor-
row by calling SurEoon-C;encrai Gorgas
10 testify regarding health conditions.
In beginning his address, Senator
Chamberlain said the President hat at
tackled both his vcracity and integrity.
heretofore unchailensed, but that in
replying he did so without any per.
sonal feeling against the President.
For twentyfour years" Senator
Chamberlain said, IL have served the
public in my State to the best Of my
ability. and in al! that time I have
''N'' 4iap ills NtE dStIS tdIsN IN QuCs-
ton, nor my integrity impeached. and
have passed through some bitter
campaigns. 1t is, therefore. with some
feeling OF humiliation and also sad
ness tha; I rise to question Of per-
soma! privilege when my vsracity has
been called in question, not by AN ordi-
mary citizen; not by one OF my coll
leagues, but by a very distinguished
gentleman. who has tho love and ad-
niration OF the people, and who by
their suffrage occupies the highest
place OF any man in the world
CHARGES AFFECT POLICY
THAT INVOLVES THE WORLD
1t is, therefore. with much feeling
that | rise 10 address myself TO the
attack made upon me. and do SO with.
out feeling OF unkindness."
These personal charges against ma
amount to nothing to the American
people. but affect the policies which
may involve tho future OF this country.
ii not or tho entire world"
Senator Chamberlain said he aza