Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1918-02-07
Capitalization of Authority, as
Demanded by Congress, Is
Proposed in a Bill Transmit
ted by Mr., Wilson.
PRESIDENT WOULD BE
GIVEN BROAD P0WEF
Measure Seeks to Confer Upon
Chief Magistrate the Right
to Take Over Executive
Branch of Government.

Washington. Feb. 6.-Almost CO.
incident with Secretary Bakers ie-
appearance before the senate military
committee today for cross-examina- =
ton upon its recent statment Of what
America is doing in the war. the adj
ministration's answer to congressional
agitation for war cabinet and NUM-
tons director was given by introduc-
ton in the senate of bill transmitted
by President Wilson which would
give the president blanket authority
to re-organize and coordinate all fed
eral departments, bureaus. agencies.
officials and personnel.
The new measure was taken to the
capitol by a personal representative
of the president and introduced by
Senator Overman, democrat 1t would
empower the president to make over
completely the executive branch of
the government for the period of the
war, re-arranging existing agencies
and their functions and establishing
I.
Referred to Committee.
There has been no intimation Of
any specific action the president has
in mind. The bill was referred to the
judiciary committee, of which SEN
ator Overman is ranking democratic
member. One move which some Of
ficials say is contemplated is the ap-
pointment of a 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.
Mr. Baker in his examination de-
INJURED by at telling in open session
the basis for his assertion TINT the
prospects were not unpromising for
enough ships to pour a million and a
half American soldiers in France this
year. After much discussion during
which Senator Hitchcock, who has
termed the secretary's statement
wildly exaggerated and preposter-
Gus" insisted upon an answer to his
questions, the committee agreed that
the information should be given in
secret session and Mr.. Baker prom
ised to prepare a statement.
Inquiry Will Proceed
In the meantime the committee
will proceed with it's general inquiry
Secretary Baker told the committee
that more American troops had been
gotten to France on January 1 than
called for by the schedule. He ex-
planned that in his calculations as to
what could be done he did not 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. Stettinius, the new surveyor gem
eral OF superintendent, lacks techni-
cal legal authority. he had broad
powers in securing production, with
larger duties than England's munition
director.
Legislation is unnecessary to secure
government ordination, he con-
tended other than that he suggested
and which is proposed in the Over
man bill
Bill Came as Surprise.
Introduction of the Overman bill
came as a surprise and promises to
change entirely the character of the
controversy over war machinery re
organization. Administration spokes-
men who in view of the presidents
statement last week that he desired
agitation over the military commit
tees bill to cease, were prepared to
check discussion as far as possible.
now will join in reorganization de
bate as champions of the new meas
nre which will be vigorously Tough.
by members who oppose granting the
president further powers.
Sessions of the senate and house to-
day passed without revival of the con-
troversy, but tomorrow addresses in
both bodies are scheduled.
Text of the Measure.
The text of the bill follows:
"A bill authorizing the president to
coordinate and consolidate the exc