New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-04-12
Overrnan Bill Is
Urged by Lewis as
Necessary in War
Those Who Oppose
Measure Are Against
President, He Says

WASHINGTON, April 11.-Restric-
tlon of the Presidents power in re-
organizing government agencies to the
military establishment and other war
making branches was advocated and
opposed to-day when the Senate re-
sumed debate on the Overman reorgan-
lZatlon bill, which had been laid aside
week for passage of sedtion legis-
lution.
Senator Smith, of Georgia, Demo
crat, led the attack on the Administra-
ton measure, declaring that while
there is no lack of confidence in Presi-
dent Wilson. he should not receive au-
thorlty to disturb the Interstate Com
merce Commission, the Federal Re-
serve Board, the Federal Trade Com
mission 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 designa-
ton by Congress.
In long speech championing the
bill, Senator Lewis. of Illinois, Demo
cratic whip, declared Congress should
give the President any powers he
deems necessary to successfully prose
cute the war.
Bills Foes Against President
ANY who are against any measure
that the President demands as neces-
sary to Win the war" he said, ARE
against the President" He added that
the people want the war won, and will
be impatient with technical objections
to legislation which the President re-
CARDS essential
In running debate with opponents Of
the bill as it is now drafted, Senator
Lewis said he believed the President
now has authority to make changes in
government departments without legis-
lation, but that the President has often
been criticized for exercising alleged
war, and that such criticism should be
avoided by giving him the specific stat
utory authority he desires.
Senator Cummins Republican,, Of
Iowa, who has vigorously opposed the
measure, interrupted to suggest that
under its terms the President could
appoint deputy" President, transfer
all his authority and virtually retire
Senator Lewis said that this was not
fact, but suggested that the Intersta te
Commerce Commission, the Federal
Trade Commission and the Federal Re
serve Board could be abolished and
their functions consolidat ted in board
of business, finance and transportation.
Senator Reed (Democrat), of Mis-
souri,, again spoke in opposition to the
general authority proposed in the bill
and declared that its enactment is un-
necessary to effect reorganization of
agencies in the civil establishment He
insisted that, as the bill is brought
forth "purey as war measure" it
should carry specific limitations.
Opposes Comforting Enemy
Senator Ashurst, of Arizona, Demo
crat, pleaded that no aid or comfort be
given to the enemy by Stacking the
American commander in chief
Had General Foch and Marshal
Jotfre," Senator Ashurst said, "been
hampered by red tape, by orders from
q war council or by a voluble Congress
they would not have won the victory
Of the Marine, which was to civilization
as important as was the victory of
Charles the Hammer, when he rolled
back the surging tide of the Moslem at
Tours
The Arizona Senator declared Pres-
dent Wilson the most potent official in
call Christendom" ana the spokesman
for the Allies.
yet" he continued, "this man, who
has demonstrated his great capacity
for public affairs and has moved with
unerring precision in matters of world
wide import, is not to be trusted so
say some Senators-with the power OF
transferring certain bureau officials
and chief clerks in Washington