The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-10-01
(Oficial City, State and County Newspaper
Mitchell's Testimony

Col william MITCHELL storm center Of the raging
aircraft controversy, has been given the opportunity
he has demanded long and loudly, to have his
charges Of criminal negligence, ineNcicncy and
bureaucracy in the administration OF the nations
air defense tried before a nonpotical, nonmary
court OF inquiry The fiery air colonel has made
very good use Of his appearance before The pres
idential aircraft inquiry and loosed a whitening
barage Of facts and conclusions with view to en-
tirely discrchng the present military 0rgani'
cation of the country.
If these charges are found to be SubStantatcd By
the facts presented in Mitchells testimony, drastic
reorganization of the nations defense administra
ton is necessary. But, at this point, it becomes
evident that military techncians differ diametrcaily
on the issue before the presidential invest gation
and under these circumstances it is impossible for
honest citizens to come to a correct opinion.
The course OF the present aircraft probe has
brought out two things very plainly: On that there
is friction between the Army and Navy; t2) that
the Army air service has developed rapidly
tragic experience in the world war would
lead to expect.
Claiming that the cross-country fight of the Shen-
andoah arranged for propaganda purposes y
Mitchell makes the assertion that the project vio
lated the law which places land operations under
the jurisdiction Of the Army. Here it becomes
arms Of national defense has caused direct msun-
dersanding One branch OF service is jealous Of
the other.
The testimony Of Army air corps officers, tend
ing to back up Mches sensational charges OF
inehiciency and negligence, indicates weakened
morale within the Army air service itself. Mitchell!
is authority for the statement that there only
IL pursuit planes and 90 bOmbcrs in the Army air
service capable of sustained flight under condi-
tons of war. This statement has been frequently
exploited by air service critics and has never been
categorically denied If it is true, immediate action
by the Congress should be taken right th'.
situation.
The presidential probe and public opinion
whole will not be very greatly influenced by Mitch
ellis demands for unified air service, his
ing that the Atlantic coast is open to attacks from
the air. and his claim that stupid management the
part Of the Navy bureau Of aeronautics is respon
sibe for the Shenandoah tragedy and the failure
OF the Hawaii nonstop flight. Neither will counter
charges denouncing Mitchell agitator and in
cendiary unduy influence either she presidential
Investigation public opinion
The nation believes Mitchell is an honest man, &
competent soldier and qualified expert aerial
defense. 1t appears that Mitchell is to a certain
extent justified in his bitter attacks on the Army
and Navy air service because of the apparently poor
condition to which the Army air corps has been
reduced. This fact is practically proved by the
testimony of air service officers In view of cir
cumstances, Mtchells unprecedented tactics are
partially explained. Yet, in the final analysis, the
nation will not forget that Mitchell violated ageold
Army traditions in furtherng his campaign for i'm
proved military aviation by vituperative press
campaign carried the heads of his supcriors.
Such conduct cannot be condoned yet may be par
donable To what extent the end justies the means
is difficult estimate. All these interlocking
phases of the aircraft dispute will have to be
threshed out by the presidential board. The board
will act fairly and freely.