The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-10-02
mitchell, CHEEREDBY
10000 AT CITY HALL,
ACREESTORUNAGAM
SEES CONGRESS-
RECESS OCT. 20
Lewis Visits WilsOn-Urges
New Ad Interim Power
for President.
Spsetal Deapstch foHHE SrN.


WARRINGTON. Oct. 1.-The question OF
10 cope with sudden war emergencies be-
tween the adjournment OF the present
session OF Congress and the reasserbing
H. December has been the subject Of con-
| siderable discussion among leaders Of
both houses In the last few days. This
, afternoon Senator J. Hamilton Lewis
Ullinois) discussed the legislative ses-
sion at some length with the President
and brought up this subject.
Senator Lewis was careful to refrain
from indicating what the President said
regsr riding the matter OF adding to his ad
irterim powers. His visit was made
after conference with the Democratic
leaders at the Capitol and II is believed
the President conveyed to him some sug-
sestions which may result In reSha pins
pending legislation and leading to the
Introduction Of some new measure en,-
powering him to deal with possible con.
! tingencies.
Predicts speedy Adjournment.
After leaving tho White House Sem tor
Lewis said he had told the President
thSt the war revenue bill could be passed
this week. and the soldiers insurance bill
next week. and that Congress-, he felt
could adjourn by the end Of the follow
ing week The President. he said. was
anxious that the insurance bill pass In
order that the families OF the soldier
could have security and the soldiers have
peace of mind. Then he added:
II think i would he wisdom for Con-
c-ess To pass a law giving the President
full power TO do anything IN the recess
NJ Congress that may be called for by
any emergency. whether from 'ntcrna'
tional complications or home price fixing
OF commodities for war necessities. This
! would prevent calling Congress before
the regular December meeting. and also
| give immediate Legality 10 any action
! however unexpected.
The Presjdant expressed himself es
; deeply appreciative of the Rentrous
1 course Of Congress toward him, particu-
| lariy in It's refusal to hamper him in ANY
way in any OF his executive functions
or of ever intruding party opposition oi
personal politics against any necessary
measure he asked for. The President IL
glowingly satisfied with our war situa
ton and our readiness for action anc
has full confidence in American sue
cesscs everywhere"
In considering emergencies likely &
arise before Congress reassembes thu
leaders have chiefly in mind the price
fixing situation. II is admitted that th'
agencies thus far created lack power ir
this matter and that the situation is not
as il should be.
Way ENLARGE Pomerene Bill.
One proposal i. that tho pomeren'
h,lI. now in a subcommittee OF the sen
ate, which gives the President tho righ
10 az prices for the public az We. az fo'
the Government on steel. lumber an,
other basic war materials. should b'
greatly cnlarSed in rs scope so az t'
give the President IN the interim th'
power 10 fix prices on virtually any com
modify
Il IS conceivable. advocates OF such !
oours, insist. that a situation can ariS'
in tn" next few weeks affecting SOM
staple commodities not covered II, th'
present legislation that would call to
prompt and effective measures Of relic
tor th" public
They are N favor of investing tn
Pres ident with the puWer Ia deal witt
such a situation. though possibly limit
ing this TO the period when COM ress will
not be in session. l. IS even poss.hk
that a Joint resolution nay be propose,
rea.'irmrg ali Of the Presidents VA
powers In order that no douh, may h
left as 20 their scope.
Th', movement is nor much beyor'
the stage Of preliminary discussion. We
with the likelihood. as Senator Lewis In
d'catei to-day. of an adjournment h,
the m ddle Of October speedy action vii
he necessary