New-York tribune., 1918-05-16
President Sharply Attacks
Chamberlain Resolution
for Investigation
Interference With
Executive Resented
Selection of Former Justice
to Assist Gregory Praised
in Both Houses

WASHlNGlON May Io.--r ies1ueHl
wilson has summoned Charles E..
uuvhes to act with Attorney General
crsrory in the investigation of crimi
n.] charges made in connection with
aircraft production.
Mr.. Hughes's acceptance of the task
v,s announced to-day at the White
House. and he will come to Washing
ton in a few days to 60 over plans
with the Attorney General.
This announcement overshadowed in
nterest any other development and
GRATED a great stir at the Capitol. In
letter to Senator Martin, the Demo
.ratic leader, the President earlier in
.he day had reiterated emphatically
bis opposition to the phrasing of a
handing resolution authorizing further
inquiry by the Senate Military Com
mittee into aviation and other phases
0. war preparations. He declared he
would regard the passage of such
resolution as a vote of want of con-
sdence in the Administration and
virtually as an attempt to take over
the conduct of the war.
Hughes's Selection Pleases
In designating former Justice Hughes,
whose record in the New York insur-
ance investigation is we'll remembered,
the President said he felt the Depart
ment Of Justices investigation was of
the very greatest importance. If any
persons were found to be guilty they
should be prosecuted vigorously and
promptly, he said, and the regulations
hose attacked should be protected
charges were found to be ground
The choice of Mr.. Hughes to act with
the Attorney General was met with
expressions of satisfaction on all sides
at the Capitol. Some Republican SEN
ators voiced surprise. but there was not
q suggestion of disapproval.
Letter to Mr.. Hughes
In asking Mr.. Hughes to help in the
investigation, the President said:
aYou have doubtless noticed that
very serious ci rges of dishonesty
have been made IN connection with
the production aircraft.
Because of the capital importance
Of this branch OF the military service
feel that these charges should be
thoroughly investigated and with as
little delay as possible in order that
the guilty, if there be any such, may
be promptly and vigorously prose-
cuted and that the regulations of
those whose actions have been at
tackled may be protected in case the
charges arc groundless.
IL requested the Department of
Justice to use every instrumentality
at its disposal to investigate these
charges. and, with the approval of
the Attorney General, l am writing
to beg that you will act with him in
making this investigation. feel that
THIS is matter of the very greatest
Importance, and l sincerely hope that
YOU will feel that it is possible to
contribute your very valuable service
IN studying and passing upon the
questions involved"
Hughes Glad to Aid
The Presidents letter to Mr.. Hughes
was written Monday, and the reply
came to-day just before the announce
ment that the former justice had ac-
cepted the task. Mr.. Hughes wrote:
II beg to acknowledge receipt of
your letter of May 13. Approaching
iiuily the gravity of the matter, shall
oe glad to cooperate with the At
torney General in making a prompt
and thorough investigation of the
Charges of dishonesty in connection
with aircraft production. You may
oe assured that nothing will give me
greater pleasure than to render any
assistance within my power.
~ assume the Attorney General
WI advise me of his wishes for a
cenierence with view to the making
soi definite and adequate plans for the
investigation. and l shall endeavor
20 arrange my affairs so that these
pans pans may be carried out with as lit