The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-12
Rapid Cross Fire of Ques-
tions Warm Up Military
Committees Probe.
SAYS SUPPLIES
ARE INADEQUATE
Secretary of War Denies
Statement, Offering Ex-
plantations as Asked.
By Associated Press.

By Associated Press.
Washington. Jan. Ii Secretary
Bakers examination today before thu
senate military committee was warm
ed up by rapid cross fire of questions
by senator's of both parties who did
not agree with the generally favor
able view of war preparations depict
ed by Mr.. Bakers statement of yes
terday.
The senators declared his declara-
ton that war supplies were adequate
would mislead the country. Senator
Weeks declared the country would he
"lulled to sleep by a statement of facts
that don't exist"
Mr. Baker explained that he meant
to convey only the impression that all
the men ready for the fighting line
were adequately equipped.
Senators WadSworth, and Weeks
Republicans and Senators Chamber
lain and Hitchcocl5 democrats, took
the lead in cross examining the Sec
retary and at times handled him with
out gloves.
When Secretary Bakers examina-
ton was resumed Chairman Chauoer-
lain said there Were fears for powder
production.
The situation is satisfactory and l
think supplies are and will continue
adequate" replied Secretary Baker"
Senator Wadesworth asked about the /
board of labor standards which testi- /
mony has said has pacifists and social !
lists among its members and is re-
quiring new specifications in army
cloth contracts which will reduce pro- j
duction
Il know their character and expert
qualifications Well" said Baker in de-
fense Of the board.
Senator Wadesworth said the boards |
requirements were so rigid that pro-
duction Of army garments are being
delayed.
Any delay is slight. Secretary Baker
said. and health of factory workers
IS an important consideration.
Il must disagree with you that the
delay Is slight" said Senator Wades-
worth.
Senator Wadesworth said a witness
had testified the boards contract
standards threaten to cause strikes. !
and require employers to receive la |
Dor leaders lie thought labor agi- |
tators would stir up trouble.
Mr.. Baker denied knowledge that !
any considerable number of contractors !
were refusing TO execute contracts be
cause of the new labor standards
Senator Weeks thought the board
had too large and very drastic powers.
but Mr., Baker contended the boards {
function are purely advisory.
Senator Weeks challenged the state
ment that the board was only ad-
visory and complained Of the multi
plicity of new and special boards and .
committees.
with ,,,o ,-.z-.-.1
along from corridor to corridor AMI /
building to building trying To find tho .
right federal agency with which To do
business" said the senator.
Turning 10 artillery Senator Wades
worth asSailed the ordnance bureau
for not continuing manufactures of
French 240 millimetre guns instead OF
proceeding with manufacture OF Amer
lean % guns, none of which have 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 AMI
promised to give further information !
There has been no legislation We
given to the committee" said Senator
pounding the table with
his fist Senator Eadesworth asked
w NitIilfI III view ti lIlt' SiltiFlstSt Jt
artillery and machine guns the Sec
~ctary's statement that there were
sufficient supplies, Substantially for
~ush needs" was correct.
Yes. perfectly, as I understand it"
said Mr., Baker, our rush needs are
Senator Chamberlain asked Baker
how he could say that wheH canton
nents We're short rifles. munitions and
artillery.
II mean that we have sufficient for
-he men actually engaged in ltChung"
You mean that there is enough for
men in France" said senator Nc
%ellar
Yes" said the secretary
Your statement that We have sub
enough gives wrong inn
preston to the country when We have