The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1918-01-26
OF WAR
DEPARTMENT
To De HEARD
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC
INQUIRY BY SECRETARY
Action Taken By Senator
Chamberlain's Senate
Committee.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9Th" admin
istratinn'S answer - Senator amber
lain's speech in the senate yesterday on
war department shortcomings VIII Dc
made by Secretary Baker before th" scn-
ate military committee Monday.
Mr.. Baker wrote Chairman Chamber
lain today asking the COMMITTEES To ar
range an opportunity for him 10 pre-
sent ! summary Of what has h6eh do''e
In America i'm tho war, ana that ili,e
and place be ilxrd 50 as to enable all
members Of congress 5" disposed l" at
tend. The committee considered tho re-
ourst I'm executive session md deter
mined not to have hearing anywhere
except in the regular committee room.
but sent the secretary 4 copy ht T's"-
luton inviting him /" appear there
Monday morning a. la:50 o'clock uSlHss
he desired an carli"r date.
Baker Will Accept.
Although he is anxious tn address hS
many members nf congress AS puSS lGI'
aid Is said to have hoped that h" Nigh,
he invited To- arpc@r h"t"r" IN" scna'c @
Itself, It is understood MIR. Boxer Will
take tho opportunity given. He has
Cancelled an engagement to meet i"m"F-
row the house military committee.
Tho committee adopted the following
resolution submitted BY Senator Iced.
"E"solv"d. inal the children b" re-
curSicd 10 reply 10 the secretary ni
wars communication by inviting nm
To appear before thn rnmmittc" next
Monday morning at lh.3" o'clock unless
he requests an earlier date. th': p!a"':
of mcrtIu., 10 ho III" room o! IN" com
EGtcc."
Will BE Cross-Examined.
Chairman Chamberlain said later tac
committee had extended tn" war secrc-
tary all courtesy within III" rules and
regulations OF The committee IN con-
Quoting It's deliberations. Il assume.
;; he said, "wr will hay" tn" rtEnt "f
cross-examtna a"n. The secretary did
not ask 10 correct his previous siaiH-
ment except Al ihc request Of tn" conf
nittee. hut we arr glad th extend inc
rule and have hin make any statement
he desires.
Commenting. before ht had ht:n ad-
visea Of 10 action of the committee Sec
rclary Raker said he would lay be-
fore SAG committee evcry fact in con-
ncctior with the war department." hc-
tions except those which. through pub
American soldiers.
Important appointment.
Tho war department took step 90
day regarded by some observers aS fore
StaIiinC M. s,,yra.C .'hnhInl ii.'S rrupus-
cd irciSlaIi"n for II munitions director.
by appointing Edward i. St"ttinius OF
New York Survcyor-g"nGral OF ali war
dcpa rtmcnt purchases. Mr.. Stcttinius
will assume his dutics * once under
Colonel Palmer T.. Pierce. director OF
purchases. and lend til" weight -. his
wide cXI"rirncc as supervisor Of pur-
chasing for III" allies in tn" United
SiulrS to the task ni t5-rrdinnt ting toe
production and procurement "f war
supplies. His work tnr ~" allies WAS
taken over some time ago ny thc allied
purchasing commission. Colonel Fierce.
formerly . ErGnhrr uf the War Indus
tries BOARD. !:i Now assigned 10 the
war raunuil uf :hp war department; ma
director "f purchases. Th" task Cf Mr..
SicttmiuS. rs rXnla in-d tonight by S"c-
rotary liakHr. VII! hr To aid In" officer
in that work through his int!mat"
knowledge Of tnc situation il thr nuni-
ton industries. Purchases will actually
be mad" hy the five purchasing hur"As
ui ID, department.. ordnance. quarter
nast,r. engineer. signal and medical.