Evening star., 1926-02-03
WILL DRAFT ARMY
AVIATION PROGRAM
House Committee to Consid.
er Conflicting Reports in
Executive Session.
By the Associated Press

By the Associated Press.
A comprehensive program Tor de-
velopment Of Army aviation IS expect
Cd 10 he drafted by the House mill
tary committee in time for considera-
ton by the present Congress.
Within q few days the committee
will retire TO executive session to puz-
zle over the maze OF conflicting re-
ports filed by various investigating
bodies in recent months.
With the impending Introduction O.
two bills by Representative James,
Republican. Michigan, to carry out
recommendations of the I-assiter board
report and that OF the House aircraft
committee OF the last Congress. the
committee will have before 1t in legis.
lative form all proposals that have
been submitted to build up aviation,
Separate Air Corps Bill.
Foremost among these IS measure
by Representative Wainwright, Re
publican, New York. former Assistant
Secretary Of War, designed to carry
out the recommendations for sepa-
rate Air Corps in the Army, as urged
BY Mai. Gen Mason NJ. Patrick, Army
air chief.
There are Indications that the Pat
rick plan is viewed Sympathetlcally
by a number of members, and perhaps
represents the limit to which the com
mittee may go in recommending re-
orga nization of the air defense. 4
number of Representatives FAVOR q
more material departure from the ex-
listing organization, but others believe
the Patrick plan may be incorporated
in IL compromise measure, on the
theory that the press Of legislation
will permit adoption only Of a pro-
posal carrying the unanimous indorse-
ment of the committee.
Paul B. Fritsche. general manager
OF the Aircraft Development Corpora
ton Of Detroit. told the House naval
committee yesterday that the Govern.
ment had co-operated with foreign ma
tions in aircraft development, but was
loath to give financial encouragement
to the industry in this country.
Urges Government Aid.
Mr.. Fritsche told the naval commit
tee he considered it the Government s
duty to put up 100000 toward the
cost Of an all-metal airship which the
CORPORATION desires to build for the
Navy.
An appropriation for this project
was carried In the annual Navy De
partment appropriation bill as re
ported by the House appropriations
naval subcommittee. Before passage
however, the measure was modified to
withhold the 100000 for six months
Chairman Butler of the naval com
mittee. in urging that this fund be
withheld temporarily. told the House
that his committee, which had origina
jurisdiction in such matters, would
inquire into the advisability of the
proposal, and it was in this connection
that Mr.. Fritsche appeared.
The all-metal dirigible proposal i.
understood to call for expenditure o.
$300, 900 by the Government, with the
remainder of the ships cost to b.
! borne by the corporation. and Mr.
Fritsche. replying to an inquiry b!
Chairman Butler why these busines.
giants Of Detroit" could not put W
the entire amount, said:
Much Sent Abroad.
You have spent large sums with
Great Britain, France and Italy for
aircraft being developed there. Don't
you think It's time you spent some
| thing to encourage American genius
Not a dollar has been expended for a
purely American airship.''
We are handling the peoples
| money" Mr.. Butler remarked. "and