The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-25
KNOCKER ANSWERED.

Declaring that Mr.. Padgett and all others in
both houses of Congress have been eager to
strengthen the efficiency of the navy in the air,
and that the country owes them appreciation
for their generous support and liberal appro-
prEations, Joseph Daniels, Secretary of the Navy
has,made answer to the attack by Alan R. Haw
ley, president of the Aero Club of America, upon
Representative Padgett, democrat, of Tennessee
Chairman of the Naval Affairs Committee of
the House.
In his attack Mr.. Hawley declared that he
was backing up Mr.. Daniels and other govern
ment officials, and blamed Mr.. Padgett for the
presence of German U-boats off the coast of the
United States.
Members of the Naval Affairs Committee are
most indignant at Mr. Hawley's attack, and all
declared that it was entirely unjustifed. Secre-
tary Daniels, in refuting the charge against Mr..
Padgett in a letter to Mr.. Hawley, highly COM
mends the attitude of Mr.. Padgett and the Ma
val Affairs Committee upon all naval matters.
Secretary Daniels, in his letter. says, in part:
From the initial appropriation for naval avia-
ton, to the pending Naval Appropriation bill the
committee has not in single instance given a
has provided for everything for which the navy
has asked.
TN emphasis of the committees cooperation
| will refer to the pending naval bill. The orig
inal estimates for the fiscal year commencing
July l next, which were submitted to the Treas
ury last autumn, called for an appropriation of
100000 for aviation. Later on formal sup
pIn of H.
mtted. The naval bill as it passed the House
carried $188, 800 for aviation, or the whole
sum asked for by the department.
after the bill had passed the House a careful
resurvey of aviation requirements disclosed that
an additional of $32 340,150 would be re-
CURED and under date of April "a, 1918, re-
quested the Senate Naval Committee to increase
the appropriation J that sum, which done,
and the conference report shows that the House
conferrees. of whom Mr.. Padgett is one, have
agreed to the Senate's action.
'I wish you and all others interested in this
important naval craft to know that Mr.. Padgett
and all 9th RS in both houses of Congress have
been eager to strengthen the efficiency Of the
navy in the air, and the country owes them ap-
probation for their generous support and liberal
appropriations"
And thus, another chronic knocker is placed
in the position which he deserves, and stands
before the country as shining example of HOW
NOT TO DO 1T.
If the secretary of the navy and other officials
had needed Mr. Hawley to back them up in their
war program, it is more than probable they
would have notified him to that effect.
AS it is, the gentleman rushing in, has had
to rush out again, and in making his unjust
criticism has placed himself in that rapidly de-
creasing line of Would-Be Directors of the Gov
ernment-rapidy decreasing because some
have learned through their mistakes, and others
too dense to learn, are being put in their proper
places by that very capable chairman of public
affairs-Popular Opinion.
1t is time the busy bodies of this country let
the people who have been paid for public service
to render that service, without unsolicited back
ing of any kind. When Mr.. Daniels and Mr.
Baker want help they know where to go for it,
in all probability.
1t is not enough to deplore what the Germans
have done. That will not hurt the Germans
H. xl~~E