The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1919-12-22
Graham's Probe
Saves Millions
Copyright by The Intelligencer
By DAVID LAWRENCE

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2o.-Millions OF
dollars have been saved since the arm
istice and many more millions will be
saved because OF the vigilance which
has been kept over the public purse IN
the settlement of war claimS-and that
vigilance in the opinion of Representa-
tive Graham OF Illinois. Republican,.
chairman of the House Subcommittee
Of StiRatiop OF expenditures in the
war department is as much due 10 facts
brought out during the congressional
Investigation as any other factor.
In view Of the speech Of Representa-
tive Garrett Of Tennessee. giving the
viewpoint lof the Democrats toward the
Republican investigation. which l out
lined on Thursday. l asked Representa-
tive Graham to discuss the purpose ot
the investigation as he saw II and L"
tell what he hoped would be accomplish
cd for the country by such an inquiry.
Il dislike as much as any body else.
began Mr.. Graham. TO go around PROP
ing into affairs OF the war department.
l don't like destructive inquiries, but
I think We have done something con-
Structive in our investigation. For one
thing. il has attracted the attention or
the officers OF the war department so
that they fell that a watchtul eye IS
being kept on the way they settle claims.
Since the Investigation began. millions
Of dollars have been saved by the adop-
llOn OF TulcS pEoueuI puN bs OoA ~
yestigation. Why. in one claim alone. l
know that s3S0.00o was saved BY com
pelling an audit. l hope that our m
Quiry will so attract the attention OF
congress that subsequently bill may
be passed permitting the government 20
reopen all claims which after an exam
ination by an impartial board II Is Deem
cd advisable to reopen.
It would appear that under the Dent
act the opportunity TO reopen claims IL
Ias.sa frnN q -nd
Colonel Reeves Of the war department..
has informed Representative Graham
that in any case in which too much sal
wage has been given or there has been
wastage. the war department can view
the case as one Of constructive fraud
and a, least reduce the amount of the
claim.
Mr. Graham summarized the conclus-
ions OF 'the majority or the lnFeStl-
eating committee this way:
First. The interests OF the govern
mcnt in many cases have not been Sur-
ficiently guarded in such settlements.
Second, certain rules have been
adopted BY the War Department Claims
Board which. as administered. have had
the effect OF depriving the government
in many cases Of large sums of money
To which it is righfully entitled.
Third. Large sums OF money nave
been allowed TO various contractors on
settlements through unfair savage Hat-
ucs for raw materials and special facil!-
ties furnished by the government.
Fourth. In numerous instances. co.
ernment officials charged with official
responsibility have not exercised Suftt~
c!cnt vigilance in the protection OF the
government interests in such settle
mcnts.."
Mr. Graham devoted particular atten-
ton to the profits OF the copper CON-
panies declaring that tho arrangement
entered into by the War Industries
Board. Of which Bernard NJ. Bayruch
was chairman, was ono Extremely Ia
yorable TO at least q few OF the copper
producers, and that from this arrange
ment and because Of the necessity and
demands of the government during the
war those who operated these copper
producing properties were enabled 10
make and did make cNtraraSant and eX-
traordinary profits.
Mr. Graham took a broad view OF war
contracts in general saying that haste
due 10 the war and the desire to get
production led to the doing OF some
things which might have been avoided
had there been more time. But he de-
clared that this was all tho more reason
why the war department should be most
careful in settling war claims.
II stood one day in the mud IN 2
ruined town in northeastern France.
concluded Representative Graham. and
saw a division OF American boys go pas
through the mist toward the tattle out
yonder that awaited them As l looked
at these young. healthy. cieae-sXlnnco