Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-07

were ships available for their trans
port and supply.
EXACT FIGURES or EXPERTS
BASIS FOR STATEMENTS
Secretary Baker replied he didn't
have the exact figures in HIS mind but
that his statement was made on fig
urcs which had been prepared by ex-
pcr,s who took in the Information at
the disposal OF the shipping board. as
we'll as what ships might he available
from neutral and foreign sources. The
secretary made plain that he was not
counting wholly on American ships to
transport the troops.
Secretary Baker did cay. however
that probably the form OF his original
statement to the committee. which has
been made the basis OF attack. was un-
fortunate In that II expressed his gem
cral opinion or a board situation rather
than the exact statement OF experts
d"alng IN details
The misfortune for me. II ] may
call II such." said Secretary Baker. lay
in the fact that ] attempted to give
opinions of the broad general situa-
ton as saw II, when tho information
lay In details that ought 10 have been
gotten from the experts In direct
charge. or In statistics giving spec'hc
facts. was attempting general sur
vey 1t was misfortune for me 10 90
that"
An estimate Of 7al 900 tons OF ships
available for transport on February l.
the secretary said he thought was
small. rather than too large.
The ShippinR BOARD. Senator Hitch
cock said, had advised him that on
November there were available $50
American ships. all OF more than $500
tons each Including tank ships and
the German and Austrian ships taken
over.
Mr. Baker did rot know how many
troops that number OF ships would
transport. but promised to inform III"
committee later.
PRESIDENT AMI pAI>rH
PLANNING REORGANIZATION
AS the examination turned 20 the
question of supplies for the army. II
became apparent from the nature OF
secretary Bakers replies that he and
president Wilson had been discussing
some form OF further reorganization
OF the War Department which they
hoped would satisfy those who are
pressing the bill for a director of mu-
nitlors.
II was Indicated earlier in the day
also in other official quarters that the
President and the Secretary of War
hoped. by further move. to meet
the demand for the BILL
u have n feeling" Mr.. Baker said
IN reply to Mr.. Wadsworth. that leg
!siation that would free the Pres!-
dents hand: and allow him to trans
fer functions and coordinate tho needs
OF the departments they arise.
would be the best answer 10 the diff
ncultlcs. All departments are con-
stantly growing. arr, as YOU know
continually creating new agencies. and
sometimes. when in doubt. have to
study the statutes carefully to sec
how far my authority goes. II tho
President were simply authorized TO
reorganize, reco-ordinatc and transfer
functions as he sees ut. we would go
TO hin, and SeC<.rc the necessary or
ders as were deemed dcsirable'
Senator Wadsworth said he referred
particularly to the statutes placing In
rumerahie checks and balances on ex-
pendituro Of army funds.
GIVE PRESIDENT AUTHORITY
For MAKING ANY CHANGES
ut might. perhaps, be wise" Sec.
rotary Baker continued, during the
period of the war to authorize tho
President to suspend any restrictive
statute that might be found to i'm
pedc such efficiency. I'm not sure
that 1t is wise not to have these checks
and countrrbalanccs. We are spend-
ing very large sums OF money AMI IL
seems to be wise to check expenditures
very carefully"
Senator Wadsworth cited delays In
paying troops, and Secretary Baker
said that that was "a disappearing.
diminishing difficulty"
questioned MS To delay in payments
TO the families of soldiers, Mr.. Baker
said indefinite addresses of depend
ents. LETT by one soldier, had frequent
~ produced that result: The dificul-
ties OF accounting for ibcrty-bond
payments. insurance and dependent al
iowances also served 10 hold up nay
OF whole regiments as long as n month
ut a time.
Senator Wadsworth asked Mr.. Baker
to explain the functions Of Edward r.
Stettinius. recently appointed surv evor
general or war Department supplieE
MIR. Baker said he had told MIR. Stet-
tintus that his functions were TO
grow" and that the theory was to
bring the needs of the five t,urcho sine,
bureaus before MIR. stettinius so lie
might review them and straietsen ont
conflicting needs.
Have you changed your views re .
garding the minister OF munitions bill ?a
asked Senator Weeks
HAVE NOW SECURED AGENCY
CORRELATING ALI, PURt,IA GEES
Discussion OF minister Of muni-
tons Is difficult Unless we know iusi
what rs meant" the secretary replied
Il think we have now an agency thai
correlates all the purchases Of the war
Department"
Nothing could be moro unfortunate
than to start all over again with a