The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-03-07
BARUCH DO0MS
SUPER COUNCIL
Will Exercise in Centralized
Form War BOdy's For
mcf Functions.
MEMBERS APPROVE MOVE
Washington Bureau EXecu-
tivcs Commend Plan to Co.
ordinate Industries.

WASHISGTOS. March 6.-MeasureS
aimed at the readjustment OF the plan
of munitions purchases both for the
American and the allied forces were
outlined by Bernard NJ, Baruch in his
first day as chairman Of the War In
dustries Board at several important con-
ferences.
lie made it clear that all Government
officials in future will look to him
for decision in the majority Of larger
munitions and industrial questions. that
all existing agencies will be welded into
a close knit organization and that in
the process no department will he disor-
ganized. II would appear however. that
the super war council is thing OF the
past
Suprr Council Backs Move.
The council met to-day and heard
from Mr. Baruch and Director Clifford
Of the Council Of National Defence an
outline Of what may be expected from
the rejuvenated War Industries Board.
The council, 1t is said, made it clear
that it was back OF the new plan
heart and soul. Some members sug
gested that future meetings should be
held only upon call from Mr.. Raruch.
Such action would be in line with the
spirit Of the Presidents outline OF the
duties Of Mr.. Baruch. inasmuch as ques-
tions previously debated by the superior
war council will be decided in future
for the most part by the head or the
War Industries Board.
Chiefs OF the admuistra tiors closely
related 10 the War Industries Board
and dependent upon 1t to a great extent
for guidance in issuing regulations Were
Outspoken in communication OF the new
measures put in force by the President.
The opinion was general that the Pres!-
dent has hit upon a solution to the war
ministry question which amply meets
the nations needs yet will in no wise be
/ impaired in effectiveness by defeat OF
the Overman bill by Congress
Can Melt Any situation.
A prominent official known as one OF
the Presidents chosen advisers on all
larger questions OF administration, said
that while the passage Of the ONermsn
bin might permit Of more definite
fixing OF authority with the War Indus
tries Board. the war time powers Of the
President AS conferred on MIR, Raruch
coupled with the powers given Food Ad-
mn,strator Hoover and Fuel Admins
traitor Garfield by the Lever act We're
adequate Ii used in conjunction they
could meet every situation which might
arise in Mr.. Baruch's administration OF
the nations industries.
From n legal standpoint it might be
better to have the Overman bill on the
statute books he said but existing
laws are sufficient for every need. IT
was assumed that the super-war council
would he enabled through pooling the
powers Of each member to reach de-
cisions on all questions OF priority Of pro-
duction and in supplies and delivery. The
council Was made up OF d.. Garfield
Mr. Hoover, Mr.. McAdoo. Mr.. Hurley
representa- lives OF the War and Navy
departments and Director Coffin of the
Aircraft Production Board
Centralized Control Necessary.
1T was assumed when this board was
created that it would bring about corn,
plete coordination of the various pur.
chasers OF war supplies. 1t was be
lieved that at these weekly councils the
members could compromise their re-
quirements for supplies but aside fron
much talk the meetings were of small
value in bringing about a comprehensiv.
planning for all future production.
1T became apparent to several of T.!
members and 70 the President that cen
traNzed control was necessary, for tn,
various viewpoints of the men of til,
council were 80 greatly at variance as I,
the necessity to the war plans of thei
own particular work that no progress
was made toward definite conclusions
american industry to-day has n gen
eral manager and his name Is Bernavt
NJ Baruch. He has a board of directors
and he is chairman OF that board. II
other words. he can he forced by tn
Fuel. the Food. the railroad or the ship
ping administration to define clearl!
what each must do that the interests o
all other departments shall he bes
served and Americas entire programm
be carried forward without tagging o.
any front"
Mr. Raruch to-day declined to discus
. future plans, lie said that few chang.
, are in sight, but that general speeding
up can be expected