Great Falls daily tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1895-1921, 1920-01-20
Editor Charges .Unnam-
able. Practices Exist
With Secretary sknowl-
edge, to Trap Men.
Investigators Hop From
Sims Accusation to
New Tale and Woods
Remark on Death Traps

Washington, Jan. 19.-Charges of
Rear AdmiMl Sims that the navy de-
partment failed to cooperate fully with
the allies during the war will be in
veSlgated by the senate sub committee
before which they were made
A statement issued by the full naval
committee, which also authorized ap-
pointment of another sub committee to
determine if there should be an inquiry
into charges by J. r. Rathom. editor
Of the Providence OR. I.) Journal. that
with the knowledge of Secretary Daniels
many seamen have been used for most
violent and nameless practices to en-
trap innocent men,
Secretary Daniels announced Admiral
Sims would be called on to make good
his charges either before the senate or
a naval board.
Wood Didn't Quite Say II.
simultaneously Chairman Butler Of
the house naval committee announced
that Major General Wood would be
called to explain statements attributed
to him that American naval vessels
were, Floating death traps
general Wood explained at Portland.
Maine, that what he said was that naval
ships manned by unframed crews would
be death traps in battle
Inquiry into Admiral Sims charges
will not be started by the sub b-commit-
tee until its present investigation Of
naval decorations is completed prob
ably in ten days. That investigation was
continued today with Admiral Sims CON
cluding his testimony. Rear Admiral
Mayo, commander Of the Atlantic fleet
during the war, will be called tomor-
row.
Daniels Won't Discuss Morals.
The full naval committee took no
kilograms sent Senator Lodge and other
members by Mr.. Rathom. charging i'm
moral conditions in the navy.
Mr.. Rathom alleged there was a
division Of the naval intelligence depart
ment created to use naval seamen to
"cntrap innocent men, and that. as the
result Of the practices resorted to
the morale Of the navy department is
being rapidly destroyed" He asserted
door Of Mr.. Daniels" and that we have
ample evidence in proof Of these as
sertions.'
Secretary Daniels declined to com
ment on Mr.. Rathoms charges. until.
he said, he was more familiar with the
allegations.
Board Already on Charges.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt. said
by Mr.. Daniels to be more familiar with
the matter, asserted. the special board
Of inquiry appointed by the judge nd
vocate general Of the navy two weeks
ago had full authority to investigate
methods of naval intelligence officers in
securing evidence from persons under
suspicion of moral delinquency
While charges Of improper methods
Of obtaining evidence have been III the
hands Of the navy department two
months. he said, the department has
withheld action until the cases on sew
eral civilians brought to trial upon
evidence furnished by the navy, incIud-
ing Rev. Samuel Nealkent were disposed
Of in federal courts.
The board of inquiry, he said, will
proceed at once
Secretary Daniels also declined to
discuss assertions attributed to General
Wood, saying if any one wished to put
him on oath and let him tell what he /
called before the committee and he can /
explain his expert knowledge.