New-York tribune., 1918-01-11
Raising of u. S. Army
World Record, Says Baker

mistake Of judgment when the Lusi-
arations for war.
ut would have been very wise," Mr..
Baker replied, "if dozen years ago
the Ordnance Department had begun
preparations. To be perfectly frank
with YOU, | think General Crozicr is
not entirely to blame. In season and
out. he has recommended ordnance ex-
| panSion.'
Secretary Baker denied that the first
American contlngents sent abroad were
not completely equipped. All sent then
and since. he declared, have had ade-
quote standard equipment, except that
recent contingents depend for automatic
rlftcs and artillery on French sources.
Senator Wadsworth asked if the
American artillery programme is large
enough
"You never can have too much," Mr..
Baker replied, "but the programme fully
engaged the resources of the country as
they ought to be. Every country's ar
tllery programme has grown every
month during the war"
Secretary Baker asscnted to Senator
Wadsworth's statement that the war
was a competition of Industries. and
that whichever produced the most ma
terlals and men, would wear out the
opposition.
"'That is the present aspect of it," he
said.
Conditions Changed Overnight
Operations of the supply system Of
4 the quaftermaster general were then
taken up. Secretary Baker pointed out
that "overnight we changed from free
and competitive market to one in which
the government was the monopolizing
buyer"
"Some substitutions of materials were
authorized" Secretary Baker continued.
manufacturers overestimated their own
capacity. The early dispatch abroad of
special forces, such as stevedorcs and
railroad employees, cut into the early
supplies gathered. There was A short
age Of many articles, including over
coats, blouses, trousers, and perhaps
some others. They were far greater
than VIC anticipated. Initial equipment
now arc substantially complete, and rc-
serve supplies are being secured"
The Secretary said it had to be de-
clded whether to call out more men
than could be readily equipped, or call
out only those for whom equipment was
ready
The course actually taken was to
reconcile these views, calling out the
forces as rapidly as VIC could antici-
pate their equipment, and ] have no
reason to change by opinion SINCE" he
continued. "Thc net result was a tenn
porary shortage of few weeks in some
equipment, such as ovcrcoats, but there
was not in my judgment, any serious
or continued shortage"
Senator Mcclellan asked what author
lty of law there was for taking away
General Sharpc's purchasing powers.
I'm the first place. was tho head of
the army" Mr.. Baker answered. I'm the
second place, tho law provided that the
Secretary could fix prices as he deemed
best, and ] surrounded General Sharpe
with expert advisers"
Double Dealing Denied
The Tennessee Senator said wit
nesscs had testified that contracts ag-
gregating $128,000,0O0 had been let to
firms with which supplies committee
members arc connected.
II don't think that has been DONE
said Mr.. Baker. IL have looked into it
many times. No such thing has been
done"
Regarding the system of civilian
committee purchasing getting men
from the trade, Mr.. Baker said:
II don't think that is the very best
way TO deal with these questions, but it
WAS the only way at the outset. Sub
stantially, it's stopped now. There
never was any intention of continuing
1t indefinitely"
The Secretary said he cancelled the
much discussed rag sorting contract
on the recommendation Of the Quarter.
master General and because the gov
ernmcnt proposed to do the rag sort
ing work itself. The Base Sorting Com
pany, he said. was to get a profit OF
only one-half cent a pound.
Are you willing to assume respon
sibility for organization of the sort
ing plant ?" asked Senator McKcllar
Il couldn't accept it il I wanted to-
: Mr.. Baker answered. II delegated my
authority to Mr.. Eiscpman. | know
nothing improper about it,
Senator Mckailar referred 10 the re
lationship between Samuel Kaplan. OF
the Supplies Committee. and "a brother
interested IN the sorting plant. and
Secretary Baker said he did not know
of the relationship until recently.
"Do you think policy Of that kinc
is wise?"
"1t has turned out to be unwise,
said Secretary Baker. "But you can't
get anybody to buy things wisely un
less you get men who are experienced
in their business"
Glow much did the blunder or what
ever YOU may call il, cost the govern
, ment?" asked Senator Chamberlain.
"Nothing." MIR. Baker replied.
Questioned about secrecy attending
the awarding of army contracts, Secre
tary Baker declared he issued all order
, that they not be made public, and that
he considered wise policy.
Don't you know the American peo
pie abhor sccrecy?" asked Senator Nc
Kellar
II think" said Mr.. Baker. chat the