The Washington herald., 1918-01-13

be DO easy TO change. We could
make Pearce a major general instead
of a brigadier."
In answer to a question by Senator
Chamberlain, Mr.. Baker said that
former Secretary OF War Lindley NJ.
Garrison had never recommended to
him a reorganization of the depart
ment. He said the reorganization
was suggested last May by Gen.
Crozier to Gen. Weaver. Gen.
Goethals proposed a reorganization
Of the Quartermaster's Department.
''If the war goes on a vast in
dustrial organization will be needed
and who in this organization will be
the driving power behind it?" queried
Senator Wadsworth.
mo one person would have supreme
power over industry"
What board?"
-Four agencies-the Shipping Board,
the army. the navy, the Allies Plf-
chasing Commission-would bring 1t
up to a single representative"
What is that single representa-
tive?"
THE Clearance Board Of the War
Industries Board"
1t developed that to the Clearance
Board were reported all demands and
all manufacturing facilities. The
board then decided where the mater
ials would best be obtained. And then
the Procurement Division" Of the
army, for instance. would get the
materials at the designated factories,
plants, etc.
Might there not be conflict under
this arrangement asked Senator
Hitchcock.
"oh, yes" answered the secretary.
But the Clearance Committee would
decide priority of claims when any
dispute came between the army and
the navy. Further appeal would be
made to Mr.. willard, and eventual
appeal to him. the Secretary of the
Navy and TO me as a small board"
Senator McKellar asked IL the Sc
cret system of purchasing was to be
abandoned.
i have never found the plan used
was unwise. But l will issue an or
der any time to let Representatives or
Senators see the contracts"
"OH, L don't think that would be
necessary" came back Mr.. McKeIlar.
Amy member of Congress can see
them now. 1 have never been unable
to see them"
Objects to Bill.
What's your real opposition" ask
ed Senator Chamberlain" 10 a sec
retary Of munitions as a member of
the cabinet
Il have no right to question the
addition of a new member to the cab
met" he said. My objection to the
bill Is that it creates an impossible
task. No human being can be found
who can do all that is asked of him
In the BILL"
You exercise complete control as
Secretary Of War.
over the army alone. But this man
would have to handle the purchases
for the allies, Shipping Board. navy,
ETC. You would have an industrial
dictator of the United States"
The Secretary also said that the bill
would make the Secretary of War go
as an advocate OF military policy
to a civilian.
He said that almost everyone he had
talked to had thought his army re-
organization plan better than a single
mead OF a munitions department.
Daniel Willard shared this view, he
said.
Discussing the selection of Col.
Samuel McRoberts, formerly of the
stan of the National City Bank. as
head Of the division of procurement
under the new organization OF the
ordnance Bureau, Senator Weeks
said:
You took him away from dealing
with credits, his life work, Mr.. Secre-
tary' and put him in charge of work
he had never done"
Secretary Baker-"ouite the con-
trary, quite the contrary. He will
make contracts"
Senator Weeks-"But Mr.. Secretary,
/ -"
Secretary Baker-'wait a minute,
Senator. Let's finish this -"
Senator Weeks-"To make contracts
you need a lawyer -"
Secretary Baker-"Quite the con-
trary, quite the contrary -"
Senator McKellar-"Now, the navy's
administrative system -
Secretary Baker-"Our new system
Is similar to that of the navy ="
Senator McKellar-"Quite the con-
trary. quite the contrary"
By this time the enfira <or, 1,ya G