Evening star., 1918-01-30
PRESIDENT BUSY ON |
SPEED WAR IDEAS
Suggestions for Reorganiza-
ton Of Fighting Machinery
Considered by Chief.
ANXIOUS FOR REMEDIES

PfeSlueHl W1ISOH Is giving cOHSl0tlo
ton to suggestions for further reorgani-
zation of the nations war making ma
chinery to speed up war preparation,
it was learned today.
Administration officials stated his
of the Chamberlain bills for
a war cabinet and munitions director
has not been shaken. General graft
fication was expressed at the White
House and among administration off,
cials generally at the showing made
by Secretary of War Baker in his ad-
dress to the Senate military AFFAIRS
committee Monday.
While the President is understood to
hold that the statement of the Secretary
|enectually discounts arguments for the
need of either of the agencies men
toned. it was stated today he. like the
Secretary Of War. is most anxious to
adopt any remedies for inadequacies or
shortcomings. and that he believes they
can be adjusted effectively with the
present administrative machinery. Ad-
ministration officials hold the creation
OF new agencies is not needed. and that
"a modification and reorganization of
present ones would be eRectual.
Leaves Wide Field.
1t is recognized by men who hold the
reins of authority that Secretary
lating to the War Department still
leaves wide field that was not touch
ed in his testimony and for which he is
not primarily responsible.
To carry out the promises he made
regarding the number and equipment
must be effective cooperation in ship
ping, railroad transportation and in
industry.
Having proved the initial rush needs"
Of Americas participation in the war
have been met in a way that has
aroused widespread expressions of
qualification, Judging from reports re-
ceived from various parts of the coun
try today. there is the question now to
be considered Of how the whole war
making machinery. Of which the War
Department is only one factor. may be
adjusted smoothly to keep Americas
further participation on a par with its
early performances.
Laud Labor Progress.
One Of the accomplishments of Sec
retary Baker which is causing favor
able comment outside Washington, it
was pointed out today. has been his
marked success in dealing with labor.
He made reference to this in his ad-
dress on Monday. Abroad the content
of the workingman now is realized
as an essential factor In the success OF
the allies. and as this country con-
tinues its part in the world struggle,
it was predicted, the careful consfd-
GRAFTON given labor problems will have
a telling effect on the morale at home,
so necessary to make the fighting arm
Of the nation effective.
No intimation has been given of
forthcoming plans for closer cor
relation of war activities. From the
=
that some method Of coupling UP pro-
duction with transportation. and both
production and rail transportation with
shipping, will be worked out. Effort
will be made to avoid the conditions
which led up to DR.. Garfield.s fuel order,
made necessary because production had
passed far beyond the capacity of rail-
roads to get the output to the seaboard.
Caused by Pressure.
First steps were taken today to dis
tribute materials for shipment abroad
more generally among southern ports
of the Atlantic seaboard, and thus re-
lieVe the tremendous congestion in New
York. caused by the pressure upon
manufacturers to get their products
abroad cars. and by inadequate pro-
vision to haul the cars or to unload
them for shipment when they arrived at
that port.
Should the proposal of Secretary Nc
Adoo to form half-billion- dollar fund
for loans to essential industries be
enacted by Congress the Secretary
would be given the determination, to a
large extent, of the priority needs of
the government and the country. There
was considerable doubt expressed to-
day about the assent of Congress to
this proposal
But even if Congress does not accept
1t 1t is expected that some agency will
be vested with fuller powers than those
now held by the war industries board
for directing and stimulating produc-
ton along essential lines