Evening star., 1936-08-27

into account the future needs OF the
upper basin States, although at the
same time he acknowledged the JUS
tice Of California's plea that the dam
should be built to protect lives and
property in the Imperial Valley from
periodic floods.
He was one of the organizers of the
Seven States Conference on the Colo
RADIO River, formed to settle the con-
troversy, and was made chairman Of
the conference in 1927.
Running for reelection as Gov
ernor, he was chosen for another four
year term, which expired January /,
1898.
When Dern was called to Washing
ton as Secretary OF War, he was little
known in military circles. He came
in the face Of troublous conditions In
various parts of the world, confronted
with the problem of providing adequate
national defense at a minimum cost
The War Department also was faced
with many large civil problems, among
them the Muscle Shoals and Tennessee
River basin project; the Columbia
River project, and major flood con-
troll activities on the Mississippi and
other rivers.
Dern brought to his War Depart
ment post an advocacy Of prepared
ness for national defense, although
he declared himself mo militarist."
Dx,
Arthur and Gen. Craig, his sue
cessive chiefs of staff, in their plans
to reorganize. expand and modern
ize the Army. Dem proposed to build
the new Army into q small, but first
class fighting force.
Although the American Army
ranks approximately seventeenth
in man power among those of
the world-along with Portugal-it
now Is well on its way toward s.
year program objective which will
give it new and faster airplanes, more
tanks and armored cars. semi-auto-
matte rifles for the infantry, modern
lied artillery and other up-to-date
implements of war.
Flood Control Extended.
During Derns administration the
War Department extended its flood
control program, started construction
of the Bonneville Dam on the Colum-
bia River and the Fort Peck. Mont,
reservoir project and supervised the
organization and administration of c.
c. c. camps.
Dern began his duties as Secretary
like most civilian appointees to that
position-with little knowledge Of the
War Department and its widespread
military and military activities.
He Immediately started series Of in
spection trips to Army posts and
projects by plane. train. motor car
and boat.
When allegations were made of lob
bying in the War Department in the
interests Of clients for sales or pur-
chases Of surplus goods, Dern issued
orders for a thorough investigation.
Information secured in the investiga-
ton by the inspector general was
turned over to the Justice Depart
ment for action. The court-msrtial
and dismissal of two high ranking
Army oficers resulted from the in
vestigation. -.
When congressional committee de-
manded the ousting Of Maj. Gen.
Benjamin ,Foulois. the Army's first
flyer. as chief of Air Corps because CT
his alleged violation of the law govern
ing plane purchases. Dern declined 10
act until the accused general mad peen
given q "fair trial"
Foulois. considering himself yindicat.
ed by the ensuing investigation ana
trial." eventually voluntarily retired.
Criticism of Army Air corps nyins
OF airmaI during an emergency caused
by. cancellation of private company
contracts led Dern to name q COM
mittee of aeronautical authorizes,
which was asked to recommend q
course Of action. From that committee
came the Baker report with recon-
mendations-which were followed py
Demand q program for increasing
the strength and efficiency OF the Ar
Corps.
In November, 1895, President Roose-
velt named Dern as his oficial repre-
sentative at the Inauguration OF the
new commonwealth government OF the
Philippines. En- route to Manila, ne
visited Hawaii. japan, China ana
Guam.
A. Utah Governor, Dern met NJ.