The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-02-07
VIII WILSON FOLLOWS
BAKER WITH BILL
FOR MORE POWER
President Sends to Senate Measure
L to Co ordinate All Operations
of War
HE SEEKS GENERALIZATION
Enlarges Executive Control and
Provides for the Most Sweep
ing Changes
HE SEEKS GENERALIZATION

ing Changes
Washington, ID. c., Feb. 7.-AlmOs
coincident with Secretary Bakers re
appearance before the senate military
committee today for cross.eXaminatiOl
upon his recent statement of Wha
America is doing in the war, the ad
ministration's answer to compression
al agitation for q war cabinet an(
munitions director was given by intro
ducing in the senate Of bill transmit
ted by President Wilson which would
give the president blanket authority
to reOrganize and coordinate all fed
eral departments, bureaus, agencies
officials and personnel
Offered by Overman
The new measure was taken to the
capitol by personal representative
Of the president and introduced by
Senator Overman, democrat, soon
after Mr.. Baker had suggested to the
military committee that such legisla-
ton was necessary. 1t would empower
the executive branch of the govern
ment for the period of the war, rear
ranging existing agencies and their
functions and establishing such new
ones as he might see fit.
There has been no intimation so far
Of any specific action under the bill
the president has in mind, nor of how
quickly the measure is to be pressed
for passage. 1t was referred to the
judiciary committee, of which Sena-
tor Overman is ranking democratic
member. One move which some
officials say is contemplated is the ap-
pOintment Of chairman of the war
industries bOard-a post now vacant
and the investment of the Office with
powers similar to those proposed for
the director of munitions.
Baker on the Stand.
The military committee did not get
far with its examination of Mr.. Baker,
although he was questioned for three
hours, because he demurred at telling
In open session the basis for his as.
sertion that the prospects were not
unpromising for enough ships to put
a million and a half American SOL
diers in France this year. After much
discussion during which Senator
Hitchcock, who has termed the Sec
retary's statement wildly exaggerated
and perpOsterous,' insisted upon an
answer to his questions, the committee
agreed that the information should
be given in secret session, and Mr.
Baker promised to prepare a state
ment for the purpose
The examination then turned to
other subjects. When the war secre-
tary left the stand it was with the
understanding that he would have ex-
perts at the department prepare de-
tailed information which he was un-
able to give concerning various phases
OF his general statement After this
has been done he may be recalled for
further questioning
Wheeler Comes Next.
In the meantime the committee will
proceed with its general war inquiry,
examining Major General Wheeler,
acting chief of ordnance, regarding
production of chlorine, powder and
other explosives.
Secretary Baker told the committee
that more American troops had been
gotten to France on January than
called for by the schedule, He ex-
planned that in his calculations as
to what could be done he di dnot rely
entirely on American shipping, but
would go no further at the public
hearing
In explaining functions of the re-
organized, war department bureaus,
the secretary said that while Edward
K. Stetinius, the new Surveyor gen.
eral OF supplies, lacks technical legal
authority he had broad powers in sec
uring production with larger duties
than Englands munition director.
Legislation is unnecessary to secure
government coordination, he contend
ed, other than that he suggested, and
which Is proposed in the Overman
bill.
New Bill Surprise.
Introduction of the Overman bill was |
q surprise and promises to change en-.
tirely the character of the controversy
over war machinery reorganization
Administration spokesman, who in
view OF the presidents statement last
week that he desired agitation over
the military committees bill to cease,
were prepared to check discussion
as far as possible, now will join in re-
organization debates as champions of
the new measure which will be vigor-
ously fought by members who oppose
granting the president further powers.
Sessions of the senate and house to-
day passed without revival of the
controversy, but tomorrow addresses
in both bodies are scheduled.