The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-08-23
MUCH CRITICISM ! AND SOME PRAISE ! OF AIR PROGRAMME Aircraft Investigating Com mittee Submits Report on
 Its Findings
MILLIONS WASTED;
 FAVORITISM SHOWN
Report Declares Original Aviation Appropriation Has Been Practical ly W8sted-DeHaviland Plane Not Up to Standard

v = et et sft'e --s Failures upon failures, disap- continents and delays in the American aircraft programme are coupled with praise for what now has been accom- pished, and a statement that quantity production soon may be expected in a long report submitted today by the Senate military subcommittee on it's aircraft investigation. While commenting favorably upon reorganization already effect ed, the committee strongly urges one-man control through thd creation of a new depart meht of aviation, headed by a cabinet member.
 Waste of millions of dollars, faulty executive organization, improper loca tion of training fields, and employment of inexperienced inspectors, and favorit- ism to contractors are among the faults charged to the old organization by the committee.
 REPORT IMPERSONAL
 The report is impersonal, explaining that questions of individual dishonesty or official corruption were left for in- vestigation to the department of justice inquiry directed by Charles E. Hughes It was submitted with the unanimous ndorsement of the senators who have conducted the inquiry during the last few months-Senator Thomas of Colo rado. chairman, and Senators Reed of Missouri. Smith of Georgia, New of In diana and Frelinghuysen of New Jer- sey. After approval by the full mili- tary committee 1t was read to the Sem ate.
 In statement later commenting on the report Secretary Baker said the country should be gratified to know that quantity production of airplanes is now assured.
  ord from Howard E.. Coffin, former chair man of the aircraft production board. dis claiming responsibility for himself and other civilian members for actions of army and navy officers.
 THREE CAUSES FOR SITUATION For the situation that has resulted in absence of single American fighting airplane or heavy bombing plane at the front, and the presence there of only t7 DeHaviland reconnaissance. machines by July 1. the committee assigned three prime causes-dominance of automobile manufacturers, with no aeronautical ex- perience in aircraft production. their adoption of the impossible tack of ap- plying the Liberty motor in all classes of machines. and failure to adopt success ful foreign planes and motors.
 In the train of disappolntments en- suing. the committee says, the original 40,ooo,o00 aviation appropriation had been practically wasted and the Bris- tol fighter and other types had been abandoned after long and costly exper- ments and loss of life The DeHavi- land machine is faulty, it adds, and now in process of change.
 The Liberty 12-cylinder motor, the com mittee declares is excellent" approved by and ordered by the allies, and. ar- though not yet perfected or developed in the short time reported, is in quantity production.
 Influence of automobile manufacturers inexperienced in aircraft fields, was de. proed By the committee, which said 'one- man control of aviation would have Of bo ,,,ie, lxas Gratitude to Fighters
 Expressed by Congress
 Washington. August 22.-Gratitude of Congress to men in the army and navy