New Britain herald., 1927-12-22
WILBUR DEFENDS NAVY IN DEATHS OF S.4 SAILORS Weather Rather Than Equip. ment Defeated Rescue, He
 Declares
SECRETARY PROMISES
 RIGID INVESTIGATION
Naval Chief Says He Doesn't Mind Criticism, But Declares That Most Modern Machinery Has Been Modified and That Every Safety frecautiOn Has Been Utilized Best Men in World on Scene.

1 Copyright 1927 by United Press.)
 Washington, Dec. 22 (UP)-An- sWerlng criticisms directed at tn. navy department, Secretary of Navy : Wilbur declared today he feels con- Tldent that naval officials in charge 1 nave developed all safety appliances , for shubmarines, practical and con- sistent with the military uses of this 1 type of vessel.
 do not mind the criticism of the department" he said in an ey- elusive interview with the United Press setting forth his views on the controversy arising from sinking of the S-4. He added, however. that he feels everything has been done that could be done.
 specific Charges Omitted.
 Wilbur said he could not discuss specific charges of alleged lack or precautlon in the S-4 case, as these matters had not been determined and would wait upon the report Of the board of inquiry. If it develops
 
 there has been negligence or failure to take necessary precautions, the department will take proper action, he said. and If the investigation opens the way 10 further safety ap- pliances, naval men, working con tinually along these lines. will inves- tigate them.
 Charges which have arisen since the disaster include those of failure 10 issue adequate warnings for yes sels to keep away from the SIS testing area and failure to patrol the area properly. There have also been suggestions for safety devices which allegedly have been used sue cessfully by other nations. but no, applied by the United State.
 People generally do not realize how submarines have increased in size. and the problems which this ca uses," Wilbur said.
 We've tried 10 take all safety precautions consistent with the military purpose of the submarine tiIII lilt IT VI AIlS Jlltll I-S Htl tS in the department are Investigating these matters all the time and have been for years.
 Not Built For ReScues.
 These ships are not built merely to be rescued. They are built for military purposes. If the S-4 had not been so severely injured, ir would have come up. No vessel is built 10 operate after 1t has been completely waterlogged or wrecked"
 The secretary explained that the area where the ship went down is chosen for submarine tests because of the shallowness of the water-a> he puts it. graphically. where it is not far from the bottom to the top"
 He pointed out that this precau- ton was taken as it has been demonstrated in the past that if submarines get down too far there is a danger of their cracking A Dutch submarine which went down too deep off Hawaii began to crack in the seams, he explained. It sue ceeded in getting up without tragic consequences.
 As for the efforts 10 raise the submarine S-4. Wilbur said every thing possible is being done.
 We have the best men in the world there" he said. We have the best divers. We have the most modern equipment.
 We started in on this rescue jop by mobilizing everything Of any value whatever, whether 1t was thought that it would be effective or not
 Weather Is Blamed.
 Wilbur's associates have stressed that weather-not material, had de- feated rescue attempts hitherto.
 Wilbur's office has been swamped with suggestions for raising the submarine. many accompanied by drawings. They include the widest products of the imagination.
 This shows the public interest,"" the secretary said.
 "1'hey want to help. We realize that, and we are doing everything We can." Stamford Priest Is 50
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