Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-01-11
Senate Investigators De.
clare Baker Inaccurately
Described Situation.
WRONG IMPRESSION
GIVEN TO COUNTRY
War Secretary Admits That AItho Suf-
ficient Rifles and Machine Guns Are
Available for Force in France, tho
Supply at Present Does Not Meet
Cantonment Demands-lnsists "Rush
Needs Have Been Met,

washington, Jan. Il'-SeCletdAJ
Bakers examination today by the
senate military committee was warmed
up by a rapid fire of questions by those
who did not agree with Mr.. Bakers
statement Of yesterday.
The senators declared that his dec
laration that war supplies We're ade-
quate would mislead the country.
Senator Weeks said that the country
should mot be lulled to sleep by a
statement Of facts that do not exist"
Mr.. Baker said he merely wished to
convey the impression that men actual
ly ready for the lighting line were ade-
quately equipped. Senators Wads-
worth and Weeks, republicans and
Chairman Chamberlain and Senator
Hitchcock, democrats, took the lead in
cross examining the secretary and at
times handled him without gloves.
Washington, Jan. 11.-When the eX-
animation Of Secretary Of War Baker
was resumed today, before the senate
committee on military affairs, Chair
man Chamberlain said there were fears
LOT pOWueF prOuuCllOu.
"The situation is satisfactory and
think supplies will continue adequate
replied Secretary Baker. /
Senator Wadsworth asked about the
board of labor standards, which testi-
mony has said has pacifists and social
lists among it's members and is re-
quiring new specifications in army
cloth contracts which will reduce pro-
duction.
II know their character and expert
qualifications WE'LL" said the secretary
in defense of the board.
Senator Wadsworth said the boards s
production of army garments is being
delayed.
THE delay is slight" said the Sec
retary.
Il must disagree with you," said
Senator Wadsworth.
Senator Wadsworth said a witness
had testified the boards contract
standard threatened strikes and re-
quired employers to receive labor lead
ers. He thought labor agitators would
stir up trouble.
Mr.. Baker denied knowledge that any
considerable number Of contractors
were refusing to execute contracts be-
cause of new standards.
Wordsworth AssaiIs Ordnance Bureau.
Turning to artillery, Senator Wads-
worth assailed the ordnance bureau for
not continuing the manufacture of
French -millimeter guns, instead OF
manufacturing American 9.5 guns, none
of which has been delivered and whose
ammunition is not interchangeable
with the French.
Secretary Baker said he thought, but
was not sure, that the department was
making the French type.
There has been no explanation yet
given the committee" said Senator
Wadsworth.
Senator Wadsworth asked whether
in view Of the shortage of artillery and
machine guns. the secretary's state
ment that there were sufficient supplies
was correct.
Yes, perfectly, as I understand it,"
said Mr.. Baker. Our rush needs are
satisfied"
Senator Chamberlain asked the sec
retary haw he could say that when
cantonments were short rifles and ma
chine guns. ...r..
Statement Gives Wrong Impression.
Il mean that we have sufficient for
the men actually engaged in fight
ing" 81.
You mean then that there is enough
for men in trance?" said Senator
Chamberlain.
"Yes," said the secretary.
Your statement that we had sub.
stantially enough gives a wrong i'm
preston to the country when we have
only enough for men actually fighting
and not for those in training" Senator
Wadsworth interjected.
Il agree with Senator Wadsworth,"
said Chairman Chamberlain, that your
statement gives a wrong impression to
the country. It was not your pur-
pose but it is its effect"
Situation lnaeeurateIy Described.
What want to say and what I
want the country to understand" said
the secretary. "is that all the troops
in France will be adequately equipped
with arms and ammunition"
THE statement leaves the impression
that the situation is rosy one and
that we have all the artillery we need"
said Senator Wadsworth. 81 disagree
it Is not an accurate description Of the
situation
Mr.. Baker insisted his statement for
rush needs" was substantially cor
rect. He admitted ordnance was needed