Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-01-22
PRESIDENT ACCUSES
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statement. am bound to infer that
that statement sprang out Of opposi-
ton to the administrations whole pol
icy rather than out Of any serious in
tention to reform its practice.
Senator Chamberlain's Speech
Senator Chamberlain said:
In my New York speech l had not
prepared the address and spoke 20 min
utes extemporaneously, without notes.
l pointed out that from Bunker Hill
to the present time we had had no
military organization or policy. Tie
press report of my address was cor
rect. But my argument was directed
to the military establishment and not
to other departments Of the govern
ment. although it was broad enough to
be subjected to that Interpretation. But
those hearing it knew l referred mere
ly to the military establishment and
that the Senate military committee had
undertaken; through the bills for
war cabinet and a director of NUM-
tions, to work out changes in the es-
tablishment.
Il explained that these bills were not
administration measures; I did not
misrepresent them.
Secretary Bakers efforts 10 better
his organization have my utmost APP
prevail He has made much improve
ment. But the inherent wet iess OF his
reorganization is that nobody between
the army and the President has legal
authority. There are the council of ma
tional defense. the war industries
board, and the clearance committee
al purely voluntary Observation-Disclosures
tween the President and the army. The
war cabinet and director of munitions
would be created by law with definite
legal powers and duties. respectively.
to map out and direct war policies and
to have charge of war supplies. By this
plan we would substitute a strong for
the only weak link in the chain Of or
ganization.
II regret very much that the admin
istration is not with me. But l am act
ing under my oath and will have the
approval of my own conscience, even if
not Of the administration.
The people are entitled to be let into
the committees confidence. II the peo-
pie don't want it, that will be all right.
It's their war"
Early today word that the Presi-
dent opposed the War Council plan
was conveyed to the Capitol with the
assurance that the legislation would
be fought to finish.
Tonight the President had a confer
ence with Senator Martin, Democrat
ic floor leader and Senator Swanson,
Hoke Smith. Robinson, Williams, Mey-
ers, Hollis. Simmons, Fletcher, Pomer-
enc and Beckham, and gave them his
opinion about the Senate committees
bills 1t is understood that there was a
general discussion of the congression-
al Investigations and criticisms Of the
exective departments.
First Test Probably Saturday
The first test of strength on the com
! mittee proposals probably will com"
when the Senate reconvenes Saturday.
Senator Chamberlain announced to-
night that he would then demand ref
erence Of the War Cabinet bill to his
committee, will oppose the motion on
the ground that the naval committee
should be consulted before the bill is
brought before the Senate.
CHAIRMAN CudHlperldlH Sdiu loiiSA'
that he would not seek Immediately to
impress the measures before the Sen
ate, but would like to have them lie
over several days until their provis-
ions and designs become better under
stood.
Hearings in the committees investi-
CATION will be resumed tomorrow with
Capt. HauGh Of the British army APP
pearng.