South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-04-12
WARM DEBATE IN
SENATE RESUMED
Sen. Lewis of Illinois Says u.
S. Congress Should Give
Wilson War Powers.

WASHINGTON. April 12.-Re-
striction of the presidents power
in reorsanizing government agencies
10 the military establishment and
other war making branches was ad-
vCcated and opposed today when
the senate resumed debate on the
Overman reorganization bill laid
aside a week for passage of sedition
legislation.
Sen. Smith Of Georgia democrat
led the attack on the administration
measure. declaring that while there
is no lack Of confidence in Pres't
Wilson he should not be given au-
thority 10 disturb the Interstate
commerce commission, federal re-
serve board. federal trade commits
sion or other agencies of the civil
establishments. He said he favored
giving the president more power
over the military establishment than
the bill provides but by specific jes-
isnation by congress.
In a long speech championing the
bill Sen. Lewis of Illinois, demo-
cratic whip. declared congress
should give the president any pow
ers he deemed necessary to success
fully prosecute the war.
Are Against President.
ANY who are against any meas
ure that the president demands as
necessary to win the war" he SAID,
are against the president" He add
Ell that the people want the war
won and will be impatient with
technical objections TO legislation
which the president regards essen
tial
In running debate with opponents
of the bill as it is now drafted. Sen.
Lewis said he believed the presi-
dent now has authority TO make
changes in government departments
without legislation. but that the
president has often been criticized
for exercising alleged dictatOrial or
illegal powers during the war and
that such criticism should be
avoided by giving him the specific
statutory authority he desires.
Sen Cummins of Iowa. republi-
can, who has vigorously opposed the
measure, interrupted to suggest that
under its terms the president could
appoint a deputy president, trans
fer all his authority and virtually re-
tire. sen. Lewis said this was not
fact, but suggested that the inter
state commerce commission, federal
trade commission and federal re
serve board could be abolished and
e a
board of business, finance and trans
portatiOn.
Sen Reed of Missouri. democrat.
again spoke in opposition 10 the gen
eral authority proposed in the bill
and declared that its enactment is
unnecess y TO effect reorganiza
ton of agencies in the civil estab-
Iishment He Insisted that as the
bill is brought forth purely as a
war measure" il should carry spe-
cific limitations.
Sen. Ashurst of Arizona, demo-
crat. pleaded that no aid or COM
fort be given to the enemy by
Stacking the American command
FER in chief.
Had Gen. Foch and Marshal
JOHre, Sen. Ashurst said, "Deen
hampered by red tape, by orders
from a war council or by "a voluble
congress, they would not have won
the victory of the Marne which was
TO civilization as important as was
the victory of Charles the Hammer.
when he rolled back the surging
tide of the Moslems at Tours"
The Arizona senator declared
I Pres't Wilson the most potent Off
cial i'm "au Christendom" and the
/ spokesman for the allies.
yet" he continued, this man
who has demonstrated his great ca
, pacity for public affairs and has
moved with unerrpg precision in
ma. r- OF world wide import is not
\ TO na -usted-so say some senators
with the power of transferring
certain bureau officials and chief