South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-04-05
BEGIN ATTACKS
ON OVERMAN BILL
Sen. Reed of Missouri Leads
Insurgents in Debate
on Measure.

WASHINGTON. April 5.-Oppo-
nents q the Overman bin to author
lie the president To reorganize de-
partments and agencies for the war
period. opened their attack today in
the senate.
In an address Of two hours. OPP
posing the legislation urging amend
ments specifically limiting the pro-
posed powers. Sen Reed Of Missouri.
democrat. declared the president
Under the pending draft could wipe
ont and destroy the interstate COM
merce commission, transfer functions
or the federal trade commission to
Chairman George Creel OF the bu-
reau OF public information and give
those OF the federal reserve board TO
the comptroller OF currency or any
banker or private individual
When Sens. Fletcher Of Florida,
and wolcott of Delaware. demo-
Gratis. declared their confidence that
the president would not make such
use Of the bill. Sen. Reed argued
that they should not object, there
fore. TO special exceptions.
VIII Continue Efforts.
The efforts TO force amendments
Will be continued tomorrow by Sen.
smith OF Georgia.
While Sen. Reed was speaking.
Postmaster Gen. Burleson. who took
the Overmau bill 10 the capitol the
day 10 was introduced. appeared in
the presidents room just outside the
senate chamber. and conferred with
a number Of supporters OF the meas
Ure. Referring 10 Mr. Burleson's
visit the Missouri senator declared
ne would not object 20 replying 10
capinet members arguments if they
were made on the floor of the SEN
ate. rather than in whispered con-
versations in the cloakrOOms."
Sen. Borsh Of Idaho. republican.
said the powers OF the interstate
commerce commission had practical
~ been dispensed with owing 10 the
taking over BY the government OF
control or the railroads, and asked
what could be expected from the
commission i'm reviewing rates fixed
by the president and based on hnan-
cial needs OF the roads, growing out
o. the war. While the commission's
powers have been circumHribed
Sen. Reed replied, it still retains
many powers OF a wholesome
character.
Sen. Knox of Pennsylvania, repub-
lican, spoke against the bill.
II think il is a mistake for the
president to call upon congress for
powers that he already has" he
said. Il think he should expect his
official duties as defined by law and
that congress should expect its du
ties according TO its traditions"
The Pennsylvania senator cited
the armed ship bill as an example OF
the president asking for powers
which he already possessed. A bill
10 permit the arming of merchant
ships was introduced. he said. and
after a hlibuster it was defeated
after which the president then or
dered ships armed.
How much better. he continued
il would have been for the president
TO have executed his powers and e
have armed merchant ships thar
come and ask unnecessary Iegisla.
ton that caused much unpleasant
ness IN the senate
Sen. Borah said in that particular
instance that there was much doub
over the question whether the presi
dent had the power 20 order thi.
done without proper legislation. ant
he believed that i'm matters OF doubt
il was better for the executive anC
legislative departments TO act 10,
gether.