Bisbee daily review., 1918-02-07
Administrations Answer. to Congressional Demand for More Efficiency Introduced in Form of Measure.
Br Reriex Leased wIrel

co-incident with Secretary Bakers s re-appearanee before the senate mili- tary committee today for cross exam ination upon its recent statement or what America is doing in the war, the administration answer to congress sioHaI agitation fOr~a war cabinet and munitions director was given by ln- troduCtion in the senate of a bill transmitted by President Wilson which you'd give the president blan- ket authority 10 re-organize and CO., ordinate all federal departments. bur eaus, agencies. officials and person uel
 The new measure was taken to the capitol by a personal representative of the president and introduced by Senator Overman. Democrat IL would empower the president to make over. completely the executive branch of the government for the period of the war. re-arranging existing sgen- cies and their functions and establish ing such new ones as he might see fit
 There has been no intimatiOn of any specific action the president has in mind The bill was referred to the judiciary committee, of which Senator Overman is ranking Democratic mem Der. One move which some officials says is contemplated is the appoint ment of a chairman of the war indus tries board-a post now vacant-and the investment Of the office with powers similar 10 those proposed for the director of munitions
 Promises Statement
 MT Baker in his examination de murred at telling in open session the basis of his assertion that the pros poets were not unprOmising for enough ships to put 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 ex- sggerated and preposterous," insisted upon an answer to his questions, the committee agreed that the infOrma- ton should be given in secret session and NIT. Baker promised to prepare a statement
 In the meantime the committee will proceed with its general war inquiry
 Secretary Baker told the commit tee that more American troops had got to France on January last than called flor by the schedule He ex- plained 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
 Legislation Unnecessary
 In explaining functions of the re- organized war department bureausi the secretary said that while Edward R. Stettinius. the new surveyor gen eral of supplies. lacks technical legal authority. he had broad powers in securing production. with larger du- ties than England's intuition 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 a Surprise.
 Introduction of the Overman bill came as a surprise and promises to change entirely the character of the controversy over war machinery re- examination 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 mea- sure which will be vigorously fought by members who oppose granting the president further powers.
 Sessions of the senate and house today passed without revival of the controversy. but tomorrow addresses in both bodies are scheduled.
 The text of the bill follows:
 Text of Bill.
 A bill authorizing the president to coordinate and consolidate the execu- tive bureaus. agencies. officers and for other purposes in the interest of economy and more effective admins tratiOn of the government
 Section One-That for the national security and defense. for the success ful prosecution of the war. for sup port and maintenance of the army and navy. for the better utilization of resources and industries. and for the more effective exercise and more ef- ficient administration by the presi- dent of his powers as cOmmander-in- chief Of the land and naval forces. the president is hereby authorized and empowered to make such re-dis- tribution of functions among exeeu- tive agencies as he may deem neces-