The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-24
TRYING FOR A FOG
Allen Says War Dept. Would
Middle 35th Charges.
Hide Deficiencies by Officers
Contradicting Each Other.
SEES PROBE ENTIRE ARGONNE
Receives Deluge of Letters Up.
holding His Statements.
Governor Not Afraid as to Out
come of Investigation.

In a statement published in his
Wichita Beacon, Governor Allen de-
clares the war department is trying to
cover its inefficiency and mistakes by
raising a fog. Discussing the con-
troversy over losses of the 35th divi-
sion, the governor in statement sent
to his own paper says:
'It appears that War Department
officials are trying to raise a fog and
hide their own deficiencies by bringing
about a situation in which army Of
ficers will appear to contradict each
others statements said Governor
Allen in Topeka today, in regard to
Major General Traub's testimony be-
fore the house military committee.
Cites Official Documents.
"My contentious are based upon
three documents which General Traub
did not mention, but which had al
ready received his approval. They
are:
The report of Colonel Peck, the
inspector general of the corps, in
Guiding the 35th division, as to
the shortage of horses.
The report of Captain Hoff-
man, who was in charge of the
casualty clearing station for the
entire division, as to casualties.
The report of Captain Truman,
intelligence officer for the divi-
sion, whose duty is to report all
activities. His report bears out
my statements as to lack of
artillery support, Americans being
caught in their own barrage, air
plane shortage, etc.
Reports Approved by Traub.
"When it is remembered that these
reports were approved by General
| Traub, his statements are rather sur
| priSing. However, his testimony yes
| terday was informal and unofficial.
Both the house and senate have the
official army reports bearing out my
contentious in full and these will be
| made the basis of a sweeping inquiry
! into the whole Argonne battle, 1 was
| informed before leaving Washington.
Among the officers whose reports
support my statements are two colo
nels of regiments. three majors and
| the inspector general. all of whom
were cited for special bravery; one
intelligence officer. an officer in
! charge of g clearing station and near
| ly fifty officers and men. 1 have re-
| ceived a deluge of letters upholding
| these statements and when 1 returned
from Washington 1 found another
batch of testimony as great as what
L had already received. so I am not
at all apprehensive of the final out
come of the matter.
| Own Barrage> Killed Yanks.
'In the matter of American SOL
diers being caught in their own bar
rage. this is the official report of the
| intelligence officer, Captain Truman,
who says this occurred because of a
shortage of airplanes, which are sup
! posed to give the range. Colonel Del
aplaine of the 14Oth Regiment ap-
proved Captain Humans report.
| 1.-The officer in charge of the clear
ing station, Captain Hoffman estimat-
ed that there were over six thousand
| casualties. He was promoted from
captain to major for excellent services.
Colonel Turk, divisional surgeon, ap-
proved his report and promoted him.
| 1T will be sem that these con-
tentions are not made by civilians, as
| indicated by General Traub's testi-
mony, but by army officers in official
approved reports"