The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1918-05-28
A GOOD APPOINTMENT

The Presidents request of Justice Hughes and the acceptance
by Hughes the duty designated by the President to assist
the Attorney and the Department Of Justice in the nvest
cation of the charges against the aircraft board deserves the highest
commentator.
1t is of supreme importance that facts regard to the
struon-or lack of consucoo apans should be revealed
American people The charges made involve the honor and
the patriotism well the ability the who have had charge
the aircraft construction The investigation should be thorough
and searching No manguly of intentional delay no man guilty
having used the power by the Government for personal adj
vantage for the advantage of friends community should be
permitted escape punishment matters not who the man may
be- whether army civil life who responsible for the
delay the construction of aircraft he should be exposed and the
severes penalty meted out to him.
1t should also be revealed to the American people who are re-
sponsbe for the prophescs upon which the American
pie allies depended and because of which false proeses
Germany fastened construction of anes The upendous
fact outstanding the whole depoabe controversy the fact that
yet year and after entrance into the war; we have not
fulfilled the expectation allies kept the promises made
in words that would send airpales to Europe.
Excuses TO rs failure do not hep words do not protect
men Europe drive down the German arpanes do not
prevent the observation by German arpanes without which would
have been impossible for the Germans to begin the great drive in
March the offensive in France Flanders Italy
Either through intention incompeency there has been most
failure and every involved in that failure must bear
the blame until proven by rreuabe evidence that he is guilt
less.
The appointment Justice Hughes gives that the III
vestigaon will be searching and the results be known Justice
Hughes is great lawyer the investigation he revealed
high qualities of courage well as ability He has infinitely
important task than that which formerly confronted him and
the performance of which brought him into national prominence
His selection by the President give that the President de-
sres and will demand thorough Investigation.
The Presidents attitude iowa criticism and the investigation
connected with the onducted of the has been
unfortunate His statement that lie wished all critics might be de-
ported his condemnation of the investigation by the Senate Mill
ary Committee that led to the organization of the War Depart
men showed lack of appreciation of the need for reorgniz
ton and improvement the War Department that regret
. table.
Criticism of the aircraft pre- ucion the face of the enhs
ac issued by Mr. CT H and Secretary Baker has finally
brought the reorganization of M branch of the service and there
promise that under Ryan, wit the authority him by Con-
gress will the future do what should have done in the
past The Presidents appontme of Justice Hughes to aid in the
investigation of the production Of aircraft indication that the
President has realize the and the value of public
criticism and to heed The dema of the American people that the
facts leading to failure be eveaed and those responsible for
causing that failure be punished We congratulate the President
and the country upon this chan of attitude and earnestly hope
the forerunner of complete ange of attitude by the Admins
taon toward the conduct of the
With Schwab at the head the Shipping Board Ryan the
head of the Aircraft Production Sens Second Assist
ant Secretary of War and Iug in charge of the investigation of
the aircraft production there cd ground for hope that there will
be real leadership and real men in the uture-ex
ington Herald