The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1918-02-12
WILLIAMS ANSWERS HITCHCOCK
ON HOW TO WIN THE WAR

versy was held by Senator Hitch
cock. Tomorrow Senator Wadsworth
of New York, another member OF
the Military Affairs Committee, will
speak for the Chamberlain measure.
In the meantime, the appearance of
Secretary of War Baker for cross
examination before the committee
has been put off until Wednesday.
The galleries were jammed when
Senator Hitchcock began his speech.
Democratic Senators interrupted
him several times to ask questions.
At one time Senator Martin, the
Democratic floor leader; Senator
Myers of Montana, Senator Williams
and Senator Kirby of Arkansas, were
on their feet to demand why the
Nebraskan, had not conferred with
the Administration on delinquencies
which, he said, existed in the con-
duct of the war.
"Oh, I've done that" replied Mr..
Hitchcock. "I have made nui-
sance of myself taking these mat
ters up with the Secretary of War.
He hasn't time to bother with de-
tails. No one man could do the
work he has before him"
Senator Hitchcock challenged Sec
retary Bakers assertion before the
Military Affairs Committee last week
that the War Department had a war
plan. After listening to the Secre-
tary, he said, he was convinced that
no plan exists.
Mr.. Hitchcock called the delays
in the shipbuilding program as
"worse than farce" "It's moth
ing short of crime," he said. He
spoke of the whole war administra-
tive machinery as "obsolete and
cumbersome" and contended that
the War Cabinet and munitions di-
rectorship plans would insure the co
ordination that now was lacking.
He went into the equipment of SOL
diers, presenting evidence of insult
ficient clothing and ammunition as
proof that the War Department had
failed to meet the necessities of the
time. '....
In speaking of President Wilson's
opposition to the War Cabinet and
Munitions measures, Senator Hitch
cock remarked:
"His attitude is unfortunate, but
not altogether unnatural, since ME
believes that all legislation should
originate with the Executive"
When Senator Hitchcock early in
his speech spoke of 21,000,000 pairs
of shoes having been ordered for
an army of 100000 in France as
showing haphazard methods in the
War Department, Senator Myers in
terrupted.
: 'sIt seems to me you are going in
to figures that might be questioned"
said Senaotr Myers. "Can you vouch
for their authenticity"
"I do and I can verify them,"
said Senator Hitchcock.
"Who made that statement about
21,OOO,OOO shoes for 100000 men?"
demanded Senator Williams.
"I cannot reveal the name," said
Senator Hitchcock. 81 am not at
liberty to, but I can assure the Sem
ators that I am speaking from
facts"
tsThe Senator is making state
ments upon hearsay," and this is go
ing out to the country" insisted
Senator Williams. "It would be
wiser if the Senator had not re-
peated this hearsay stuff" q,
81 am perfectly willing for the
Senator to dispute it and bring in
any evidence to the contrary" re-
torted Senator Hitchcock. "The in
quiry I have made as to this and
some other matters has been among
men who have come here to serve
the Government during the war, and
I dislike to get any of the men into
troI1h1e R11t theu are in noSition