Evening star., 1918-01-11
WAR .SECRETARY|S
GRALED IN SENATE
Committee Questions Him on
Statement Yesterday as to
War Preparations.
"SUPPLIES ARE ADEQUATE"

Secretary Bakers examination today
before the Senate military committee
was warmed up by a rapid cross-fre of
questions by Senators of both parties
who did not agree with the generally ia
vorable view of war preparations pre-
sented by Mr. Baker yesterday.
The senator declared his declaration
that war supplies were adequate would
nuslead the country. Senator Weeks
declared the country would be "lulled
to sleep by a statement of facts that
don't exist
to convey only the impression that all
the men ready for the fighting line
were adequately equipped.
Senators Wadsworth and Weeks, re-
publicanS. and Senators Chamberlain
and Hitchcock, democrats. took the lead
in cross-examining the Secretary.
Thinks Supplies Adequate.
When Secretary Bakers examination
was resumed today. Chairman Cham
berlain said there were fears for pow
der production.
| The situation is satisfactory and l
think supplies are. andswill continue.
adequate" replied Secretary Baker.
| Senator Wadsworth asked about the
board of labor standards which testi-
mony has said has paciNsts and social
lists among its members Nand is requir
ing new specifications III Army cloth
contracts which will reduce production.
I Il know their character and expert
qualifications WELL" said Mr.. Baker, In
defense of the board.
Senator Wadsworth said the boards
requirements were so rigid that produc-
layed.
Any delay is slight. Secretary Baker
said. and health, of factory workers is
an important consideration.
II must disagree with you that the
delay is slight" said Senator Wads-
: worth.
Senator Wadsworth said a witness
standards threaten to cause strikes,
and require employers to receive labor
leaders. He thought labor agitators
| would stir up troble.
Mr. Baker denied knowledge that any
considerable number Of contractors
were refusing to execute contracts be-
cause Of the new labor standards.
Thought Boards Powers Large.
Senator Weeks thought the hoard had
too large and very drastic powers Mr..
Baker contsndsd the boards functions
ste9 As saidzWas Boston businesas
the. thifd Aisn5aer. FlorencA KAflys i
Senator Weeks challenged the stafe-
ment that the board, was only aflvi-
sorry and complained OF the multiple
tty of new and special boards and COM
mittees,
sIone frauH corridor to corridor and
building to building trying to find the
right feder1l Agency with which to do
husinesa." said the senator. F--f
T4rnlng to ARTILLERY. Senator Wads-
worth assafled the ordnance bureau for
not continuing manufacture of French
240 milimeter guns instead of proceed
in8 with manufacture of American 9.5
guns, none5of which have been deliver
ed and whose ammunition is not in
terchangeable with the French.
Secretary Baker said he thought, but
was not sure. that the department was
! making the French type and promised
to give further information.
Stands by His Statement.
given to the committee" said Senator
Wadsworth. pounding the table with
whether in view Of the shortage of ar
tlilery ana machine guns the Secre-
tary's statement that there were sur
| fcient supplies Substantially for rush
| needs was correct.
Yes, perfectly, as ! understand it."
said Mr. Baker. Our rush needs are
Senator chsmhsrlain asked Mr.. Baker
how he could my that when canton-
msnts wsss shost rifles, machine guns
and arttHery,a
Il mean thet we have sufficient for
the men actpslly engaged in fighting."
You mean, then, that there is enough
for msn1n France" said Senator Nc
Yes" said the Secretary.
| "Your statement that we have SUBJ
j stantially enough gives a wrong i'm
preston to the country. when we have
only enough for men actually in the
lighting and not for those in training"
Senator Wadsworth intertected.
II agree with Senator Wadsworth
said Chairman Chamberlain. that your
statement gives a wrong impression to
the country. 1t was not your purpose.
but it is its effect"
Troops in France Equipped.
What l meant to say and what
want the country to understand" Mr..
Baker replied earnestly. "fs that all the
equipped with artillery and arms
Probably" observed Senator Cham
berlain.
Il have assurances to that effect"
Mr.. Baker insisted.
/ The statement leaves the impression
that the situation is a rosy one and
that we have all the artillery we need "
said Senator Wadsworth. Il disagree
! 1t Is not an accurate description of the
situation
Mr.. Baker insisted that his statement
regarding adequacy of ordnance for
rush needs" was substantially correct.
He admitted that ordnance was needed
for training men in camp. Time needed
to train men In France. ne said. will
give time to increase ordnance sun
plies.
Senator Weeks cited the general ord
nance shortage at Camp Bowie. Te1
testified to by Maj. Gen. Greble. com
| mandant.
You have given the impression that
| every camp has enough rifles" SEN
ator Weeks observed. How can Won
conform that to the statement that
there was no requirements of artil-
| alery."
II didn't make that statement" said
"You gave that impression"