Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-16
Resumption of Prepar-
:, atoms Will Be Con-
: tingent on Approval
of Congress, White
House -Opp0-
sition Against Pro-
iect Voiced in Both
Branches

-
Washington. Feb. 15-President
Coolidge today ordered preparations
for the naval North Pole expedition
suspended.
BY direction Of the president
Secretary DENLY sent out orders
bringing all preparations for the
flight Of the Shenandoah 70 an
abrupt stop. pending some form of
congressional approval of the pro-
ject.
4 White House spokesman inti-
mated that If such approval was
forthcoming, preparations would be
resumed Immediately. Naval OFF,
cia,s were frankly doubtful, how
ever. that they could obtain congress
sional sanction in time to carry out
the flight this year.
The decision of the president was
announced in the following state
ment issued by Secretary DENLY:
"Ordcr to cease preparations FOR
the polar expedition were issued
today by the secretary Of the Navy.
Tho president, having been informed
that considerable opposition existed
10 tho required expenditure of $780,
oGO. instructed the department not
TO proceed with the expedition at
,his time nor until Tho naval bills
have been considered ana congress
opportunity. IL 1t desires. to. express
its Views upon the polar expedition.
MIR. DENLY would not amplify the
statement. At the White House,
however. il was said that the presi-
Of
flight that had developed in congress.
believed It wise to await action by
that body to show its approval or
tho expenditures necessary to carry
out the plans.
The White House explanation sug-
eested that II request had been SUD
,nitted for authority to spend $780,
900 on the polar expedition. Inc
peudinc naval bill now In tho house.
contains no item OF this character.
however, nor was 1t clear 10 what
snncitic authorization tho White
House spokesman had reference.
Tho naval bill to cover eXpendi-
lures for tho fiscal year 1928. was
voted out by the committee with
report attached saying the commit
tee had discussed the Poiar hisht
MAN with Secretary DENLY and naval
if IN any way In the supply meas
uro since expenditures for the flight
we're 10 be made from funds already
available and not from those pro-
,idcd i'm the 1925 supply measure.
There have been instances or OBJ
uositlon to the flight being voiced IN
tho senate and house, nut dcihIto
movement has been apparently III
either house. Representative Lang
worth. of Ohio. Republican leoder IN
the house. said today he had hearu
of no such movement.
Chairman Madden of tho mouse
concentrations COMMITTEES. is uhoer
stood Ia be in favor OF the flight hui
oppnscd to any congressional action
IN connection with it, lie SAID 10.
dav that lie took tho position tha'
operation OF tho naval air forces va,
rs much Il matter OF depari'ii'''"'
discretion rs operation or inc Su, :,
face ships and that congress shou''
not interfere. -.
chairman French. Republican. Ida
no chairman of the naval SUP
committed OF the appropriati lions
committee. was at first inclined 70
he dubious as to the wisdom or tho
attompt TO reach the Pole 10y MIR. =
resolution lay Representative Taylor
Democrat. West Virginia, calling on
Secretary DENLY for information on
tho project. resulted in re commi'.ee
taking it up with naval official. AZ
ter hearing Mr.. DENLY. Rear AZ
mral Moffett, chief of the nava' ~.
Office call acrvice and Commahoel
BARTLETT. Arctic explorer and reserve
officer called to active service 70
participate in the fight. the com
mttee dropped this inquiry. rep,
lesentativc French said TO-DAY tha'
the naval officials had made out
very GOOD case for their plans. :.
representative Byrncs. pemocra'
South Carolina. of tho naval com
mittec. said today he knew a,
amendment 10 the naval bti' Wou,u
h. offered in the house making fnnas
provided for 1925 unavailable Tor tne
purposes Of the Polar trip. kepre-
sentative Rogers. Republican. Mas
Sachusetts. however. had pending
resolution which would put tht
house on record as favoring tne
flight. lie said tonight he wou'd az
tempt to bring his resolution UP To-
morrow for action.