South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-02-08
c. D. P. PLANS
FIGHT AGAINST
WILSON s BILL
Republican Senators Call Con-
ference to Prepare 0ppo-
Sition to Proposed
War Measure.

WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-A move
toward concerted republican opposi-
ton of the new administration bill
proposing to give Pres't Wilson
blanket authority 10 reorganiZe and
coordinate government agencies, a
speech in the house by Rep. Glass
OF Virginia, denouncing critics Of
the government and temporary sus-
pension of senate debate, were
Thursdays developments in the con-
troversy over war machinery reor-
ganization.
A conference Saturday morning
of republican senators-the first held
since the United States entered the
War-was called late Thursday by
Republican Leader Gallinger TO con-
slider the new bill Pres't Wilson sent
t. the senate Wednesday and bitter
opposition TO the measure openly
by republicans and quietly by sew
eral democratic leaders. There were
% signatures on the call for the
republican conference.
The republicans also expect TO
consider Joint action on the admin
istration measure 10 create a war
finance corporation. which is being
urged by Sec'y McAdoo and upon
other administration legislation.
Postpone Some Speeches.
With the Overman bill injecting
a new and unexpected element into
the controversy several senators
planning addresses on the military
committees war cabinet and NUM-
tons director bills postponed them
and the senate held but a brief ses-
sion without renewal Of the debate.
Friday Sen. Thomas Of Colorado.
democrat, expects to speak against
the committee bills.
In the house Rep. Glass praised
the administrations war record and
denied Sen. Cham berlain's declara-
ton that the war department had
broken down. He detailed army
achievements and declared that 10
times more troops had been sent TO
France than had been expected
Rep. Mason, republican of ILL
nois. who followed Rep. Glass, told
man who could admit mistakes
had been made in his department
and added:
For Gods sake let's quit fight
ing each other and fight the kaiser"
Examined Gen. Wheeler.
While waiting for Sec'y Bakers
information regarding tonnage
available for transportation of troops
to Europe, the senate military COM
mittee Thursday resumed its war
inquiry, examining Maj. Gen. Wheel
er. acting chief Of ordnance, and
his aides behind closed doors re-
garding explosives production. Fri
day the committee will consider
general army legislation, possibly
bringing Up the war cabinet bill.
The committee is now said to be
evenly divided on the bill and
Chairman Chamberlain admitted
tonight, that when the vote is taken.
because Of administration influence
thrown against the measure, enough
votes may be mustered to prevent
its being reported to the senate.
When Sec'y Baker will reappear
before the committee has not been
decided. His next testimony in con-
nection with the prospects of ship
ping troops to France. Sen. Cham
berlain said, probably will be in Sc
cret session. Another public hear
ing. however. is probable later.
Consideration of the new bill au-
thorizing the president to recognize
and coordinate government bureaus
and agencies will begin next Mon
day Sen. Overman plans 60 have
a judiciary sub-cOmmittee appointed
to hold hearings.