Evening journal., 1918-01-28
By The United Press.

BY The United Press.
WASHINGTON, jan 2s. - Declaring
that "every man in thirty-two National
Guard and National Army camps is
ready now TO be sent 90 France when
ever needed" Secretary Of War Baker
today struck back at critics Of the War
Department.
In a sweeping statement delivered be-
fore the Senate military committee.
Baker showed the steps this govern
ment has taken-some Of them neces-
sarily sudden and hence without sufil-
cicnt preparation TO win the war. In
reply to those who have criticised the
war government, he declared.
"That laxity in the medical service
at camps will not be tolerated.
Three officers have been c0urtmar-
tialed and dismissed from the army
because Of negligence In attending
sick.
Gen. Pershing himself OKd the adop-
tion Of the modified Enfield army
rifle.
A great army was called out before
rifles were ready on the earnest rec
ommendation Of Gen. Wood.
Every man sent to France had his
own gun and was trained 20 use IL.
Many times as many men are now
IN France as had been originally plan
ned for this date.
General Pershing himself decided
against the Lewis machine gun for
land work.
On November 4 a hundred and forty
machine guns were sent to each train
Ing camp.
Every man in % training camps is
now ready for service In France.
"I am not here TO defend myself or
20 deny that mistakes and false starts
have been made Baker declared.
"Tho impression has gone abroad
that the War Department has fallen
down. The country is entitled to know
whether that is a fact. II Is entitled
10 know what this war is; what It's
problems are"
Baker then paid high tribute TO army
officers and civilian helpers Of the War
Department alike for their devoted,
untlring efforts to rush war prepara-
tIons"
when we found errors we immedi-
ately have sought the remedy.
II have no bias in favor Of individ-
uals. IF Gen. Crozier, myself or any
other should show up amy morning in
the casualty lists, IL would not matter
nearly so much as that this great en-
terprisc should deserve the comment
that lt has fallen down"
Bakers testimony here was inter
rupted by the noise from huge
throng which crowded outside the big
room. Owing TO hundreds who de
manded entrance the committee was
forced suddenly 60 move its hearing
from the capitol to the Senate ONCE
building and It was in the same room
that Americas great draft lottery was
held that Baker today offered his plea
In behalf Of the war work Of the ad-
ministrailon.
He took UP Senator Chamberlain
recent speech In the Senate ito show
the instances Of dleay and neglect
Chamberlain quoted were but isolated
cases In the midst OF a tremendoul
amount Of successful work
Referring to former appearances be
fore the committee Baker said he hat
every intention of being frank, bu'
seemed to have created the impression
that he was fencing, seeking to defend
'he indefensible and evading the truth
senator IiNlllDtllulN Ifdu ANNQ AAb
tersr said Baker (which aroused every
instinct Of indignation and resentment
wrote Senator Chamberlain at once
asking that the names Of the writers
and the names Of The camps be given
me. I wanted them and | wanted then
and want now TO follow those cases
through TO the very end that ! may
punish those guilty.
f.nr 1ntF NnH hnf
he got the letters in a confidential way,
but said he will try to get a release Of
the letters that ! may have them.
'These are two instances. I've had
others. Some have proven not as serious
as they at first appeared
''When they have been due to the
failure Of the human element, measures
have been taken"
Baker cited three cases IN which the
department, he said "nrmly set its face
against callous disregard OF human
life" Three officers have been court
martialed and dismissed from the army
as a result Of proof that they neglected
their duty with regard TO sick men In
cantonments, Baker stated
Il want the country to know that the
health and care Of the men in camps is
a responsibility will not allow to be
lodged" said Baker.
He next took up measures taker
through the surgeon generals ofilce
under Bakers direct orders, TO inspect
camp hospitals.
~ selected Or. Roger Hornsby. ar
expert to act as my personal inspector
OF these camps" said Baker "WheI
he came 10 my office, Dr.. Hornsby wa