Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-01-07
Graft Ck4rses Start
War Risk Inquiry

Washington Jan. Col Henry d,
Lindsey, director Of the bureau OF var
risk insurance. began IL personal In
qulry into the charges that the Hop
per. Holmes Company. Of New York,
has a contract for investigation OF APP
plicatlons for allowances made by or
for soldiers dependents. at the same
time that John King, vice president Of
the Hopper Holmes Company. 10 serv-
ing as deputy commissioner OF the war
risk bureau, in charge OF investisa-
lions.
Mr.. King is chief Of the division Of
investigation Of the bureau, and he re-
qucsted an inquiry today when Repre-
sentative James r. Mann, OF Illinois
republican floor leader in the house
inserted in the Congressional Record a
letter setting forth the charges Of
graft. Colonel Lindsey will conduct
the inquiry.
In connection with this announce
ment 1t became known that Colonel
Lindsey since taking office two weeks
ago already has started a personal In
auiry into all branches Of the war
risk bureau. He is said to be deter
mined 10 locate the causes OF the
trouble and to apply the necessary
remedies.
Democratic and republican members
Of the house who have criticized the
war fisk bueau in recent months are
inclined TO afford Colonel Lindsey ev-
cry opportunity TO put the bureau on
an efficient basis, There is widespread
confidence in him and in the determin-
alton Of Secretary Glass to eliminate
the weak spots Of the organization, but
the disclosures by Minority Leader
Mann created such feeling that mem
bcrs believe there should be an i'm
mediate congressional inquiry into the
bureau. Such an inquiry would not be
in any way reflection on Colonel
Lindsey but would tend to show the
nature Of the legacy to which he fell
heir.
Brown Makes Admissions.
Herbert y. Brown. who was retired
as acting director Of the war risk
bureau by Carter Glass. secretary of
the treasury. the day NJ. Glass took
office. was quoted today as having
said the Hopper Holmes Company had
been consulted with reference to in
vesugations Of the war risk bureau,
but he denied there was any improper
connection between Mr.. Kings en-
ployment by the government and the
work Of his concern. Following hi.
speech in the house yesterday, Minor
ity Leader Mann put into the Record
~
charges against the war risk bureau
The charges OF the connection Of the
Hopper Holmes Company with the
bureau are regarded as the most SER
ious which have been made against
the organization since the Public Led
ger first exposed delinquenc.es in pay
ments to dependents a month ago.
Secretary Bakec/uas questioned by
members of the house military affairs
committee regarding the charges tina,
soldiers pay and soldiers allotnents
were being subjected to delay. ncglec,
and mismanagement.
A most unfortunate situation has
arisen. due to faults in the war risk in
surance bureau and to other causes,
said Representative William }. Fields
democrat. Of Kentucky. Isn't there
some way that, soldiers whose familie.
are suffering from distressing condt.
tons can be discharged from tn,
army?'
"ooing Al We Can" Says Baker.
we are doing all We can to &C.
complish that" Secretary Baker re.
piled. I'VE are speeding up the de.
mobilization of our army by units, anc
if we asked commanding officers tc
take sufficient time to look into each
individual application for discharge
brought to their attention the result
would be to slow up our whole demo
bilization plan"
Representative J. Hampton Moore, OF
Pennsylvania introduced a bill to eX-
pedite the discharges of soldiers with
dependents. The text follows:
BE enacted that the secretary OF
war be and he is hereby authorized
and directed to grant an honorable
discharge to any officer or soldier OF
the United States, at home or abroad
who enlisted or was indicted since
April I. 1917. and who being free from
give to his immediate commanding Of
ficer at least sixty days notice.
First, that he is a married man
whose wife or children are dependent
upon him for support or protection.
Second. that other. relatives, or per-
sons are actually in need Of. the sup
port. =. ~. q. g.,
Third. that unless discharged he
will suffer loss in business which was
established at the time Of his enlist
ment or thereafter. .a-.--- '-'.oe
Fourth, thct if not discharged his
opportunity for civil employment will
be injuriously affected.
Fifth, that his discharge is necas-
sary to enable him to complete his
education"