Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-15
FEAR Of UPHEAVA[
IN COUNCIL ENDED
Better Understanding Believed
Near Between Defense Bod
les and Congressman.

iSS ottO SOiISi VOotjICIts
P0MERENE HAS SOLUTION
Debate in the Senate and conferences
among senator's and officials are serv-
ing to smooth the way for better un-
derstandfng between Congress and the
council Of national defense, forecast
ing legislation which will put an end
threatened disorganization of the ad-
visory committees Of the council on the
other.
During several hours Of debate Fri
day on the subject of putting statu-
tory restrictions upon participation of
advisory counsellors in government con-
tracts fullest confidence in the good in
tentions of members of the advisory
committees was expressed by senator's
ana nigh tributes OF appreciation Of
the invaluable services rendered the
government by these drafted business
men were paid them.
1ndorsed by Senator Knox.
Senator Pomerene's amendment deal
ing with the question was pending
when the Senate adjourned yesterday
and will come up for action this week
greatest lawyers in the Senate. ex-
pressed the opinion that this amend
ment rs the real solution of this whole
difficulty and one. that will not result
IN the demobilization of the brains and
the success of the country in an enter
prise where the highest intelligence is
required and where we must succeed"
Senator Knox said further that
nothing would bring more joy to the
heart of the German kaiser than that
we should demobolize this wonderful
instrument that has been gathered to-
gether and that represents the best
brains and the greatest success Of this
country" Yet he was In sympathy,
ular demand that some sort Of protec-
ton be thrown around these contracts
The amendment will. il it accomplishes
nothing else. Danish the suspicion of
any irregularity iR the conduct of the
war.
Heavy Penalty for Violation.
Senator Knox analyzed the amend
ment and said 1t carried two PROPOSE
tions-frst, that no one who has
position of trust with the government,
even in an advisory capacity. may
ested. or in which any institution in
which he Is financially concerned is in
terested: second, II the board should
decide to award a contract to a firm in
WHICH ne Is pSCunldrlly interested, he
must. under penalty for refusal. dis
close in writing his connection with
the industry and must not participate
in the award A fine of $4,000 and five
years Imprisonment is the penalty for
violation Of the proposed statute
Text Of Amendment.
The Pomerene amendment, as modi-
fed by its author after debate, pro-
vides as follows:
mo person acting either as a yolun-
tary or paid agent or employe of the
United States in any capacity, includ-
ing an advisory capacity, shall solicit.
induce. or attempt to induce any per-
son or officer authorized to execute or
to direct the execution Of contracts on
behalf of the United States to make
any contract or to give any order for
the furnishing to the United States OF
work. labor, or services, or Of mater
ials supplies. or other property of any
kind or character. IL such agent or
employe has any pecuniary interest in
such contract or order, or if he or any
f1rm of which he Is a member, or cor
poratfon, 5oint-stock company, or as
sociation of which he is an officer or
stockholder. or in the pecuniary profits
OF which he Is directly or indirectly inter
ested, shall be party therto Nor shall
any agent or employe make or be a mem
Der OF any committee or other body which
shall make or participate in making
any accommodation concerning such
contract or order to any council, board
or commission of the United States. or
any member or subordinate thereof
without making. to the best of his
knowledge and belief. a full and com
plete disclosure In writing to such
persons or group of persons of any and
every pecuniary interest which he NAV
have In such contract or order and in
any party thereof. nor shall he par
giving said order Any wilIful viola :
tion of any Of the provisions OF this
section shall be punished by a fine of
not to exceed $4,000 or by imprison-
both" VI
sA.
Complain Of cred Tape"
The council of national defense and
the subsidiary advisory committees a nd
boards are now having :