Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-02-12
FOUND WANTING.
fEron Th,rsday.s Daily

II any proof had been neeueu OF
Secretary Bakers unfitness for the
cabinet position which has been en-
trusted to him at this vitality i'm
portant and critical time, it was sup
piled yesterday by his attitude before
the senate's committee on military at
fairs.
The whole question between him
and his senatorial critics narrowed
down several days ago to the ability
Of the United States to obtain ship
ping facilities to transport and supply
1900 900 troops at the front before the
end Of 1918.
The whole country knew that the
committees questioning of Secretary
Baker would turn on that point. The
secretary knew 1t for three or four
days before he appeared at the com
mittee hearing. Knowing it, he went
into the committee room unready to
answer the very questions which were
certain to be put to him.
There was a great deal of sense
less fencing, and great deal more OF
nonsensical pickering at the hearing
Mr.. Baker could not give facts; Sena'
tor Hitchcock wanted them: Senators
Kirby and Reed were opposed to the
questioning Of the secretary.
Finally, after the efforts to get any
definite information from Mr.. Baker
had collapsed, he re-read the state.
ment he had made a week before. in
which he said that in addition to the
500, 900 men which would be in Europe
"early this year. there would be
another 100000 ready to sail during
1918, and "the prospect for obtaining
shipping facilities was not unpromis'
ing"
He was unable to give exact figures
to back up the latter statement, which
was challenged by Senator Hitchcock
in his recent speech. The secretary
says he will give them to the com.
mittee in executive session, and the
whole country hopes he can.
Every loyal American would be
overjoyed il he could feel the utmost
dependence in Secretary Bakers
strength and resourcefulness and in
his knowledge of his duties and re-
sponsibilities. But the more he re-
veals himself to the public, the less
confidence that public is abe to place
in him.
The Courier does not undertake to
comment on the bill which was intro
duced in the senate late yesterday,
giving the president practically unlim.
tied power to conduct the war and all
its activities. Comment would be inl.
possible without study Of the bill.
for which as yet their has been no
opportunity. However, it would he
possible to put great deal more en-
thusiasm behind such a proposal II
the president were less pronounced in
his espousal Of Mr.. Baker and his un.
limited endorsement Of everything the
secretary has done, or omitted to do.
It is regrettable II the president
finds himself unable to place any re.
lance in congress. conclusion that
some Washington correspondents
reach in their comments on the bill
Senator Overman offered yesterday.
It is to be hoped that detailed study
Of the bill will reveal that they have
exaggerated its demands.
II Is somewhat difficult, however. 10
understand the necessity for drastic
measure reposing practically complete
powers in the president, If we are to
accept his declaration that the bills
for a war cabinet and ministry of
munitions are not necessary. They
fall far short OF the possibilities which
tho Overman bin holds.