Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-02-07

Washington. Feb. 6.-Almost coincident
with Secretary Bakers re-appearance be-
fore the Senate military committee to-day
for cross ss-examination upon his recent
statement Of what America is doing
in the war, the administrators answer to
congressional agitation for a war cabinet
and munitions director was given by in
PRODUCTION in the Senate Of q bill trans
mitted by President Wilson which would
give the President blanket authority to
re-organize and coordinate all federal
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, soon after Mr.. Baker
had suggested to the military committee
that such legislation was necessary. It
would empower the President to COM
| pletely make over the executive branch
Of the government for the period Of the
| war. re-arranging existing agencies and
| their functions and establishing such new
| ones as he might see At.
There has been no intimation so far
Of any specific action under the bill the
President has in mind, nor Of how quickly
| the measure is to be pressed for passage.
1t was referred to the judiciary commit
tee. of which Senator Overman is rank
| ing democratic member. One move which
| some officials say Is contemplated is the
| appointment 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.
| BAKER CROsS-EXAMINED.
The military committee did not get
far with it's examination Of Mr.. Baker.
although he was questioned for three
hours. because he demurred at telling in
| open session the basis for his assertion
| that the prospects were not unpromsing
for enough ships to put million and a
half American soldiers in France this
| year. After much discussion during which
Senator Hitchcock. who has termed the
secretarys statement wildly exaggerated
| and preposterous." insisted upon an an
| swer to his questions. the committee
agreed that the information should be
given In secret session and Mr.. Baker
promised to prepare a statement for the
purpose.
The examination then turned to other
subjects: When the war secretary left
the stand 1t was with the understanding
that he would have experts at the depart-
ment prepare detailed information which
he was unable to give concerning various
phases Of his general statement. After
this has been done he may be recalled
for further questioning.
In the meantime the committee will pro-
coed with its general war inquiry, examin.
CONTINUED ON page two.)
ing tomorrow Major-General Wheeler,
acting chief Of ordnance. regarding pro-
duction Of chlorine. powder and other ex-
plosves.
AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. HE SAYS
Secretary Baker told the committee that
more American troops had been gotten
to France on January l than called for
by the schedule. He explained that in
his calculations as to what could be done
he did not rely entirely on American ship
ping, but would go no further at the pub
lie hearing.
In explaining functions Of the re-
organized war department bureaus the
secretary said that while Edward r.
Stettinus, the new surveyor-general Of
supplies. lacks technical legal authority,
he had broad powers. in securing produce
ton. with larger duties than England's 8
munition director.
Legislation is unnecessary to secure
government co-ordipation. he contended.
other than that he Suggested and which
, is proposed in the Overman bill.
} OvERMAN BILL A SURPRISE.
Introduction Of the Overman bill came
as a surprise and promises to change en-.
tirely the character of the controversy
over war machinery reorganization. Ad.
minstration spokesmen who. in view of
the Presidents statement last week that
he desired agitation over the military com.
mittee's bill to cease were prepared to
check discussion as far as possible, now
will join in reorganization debates as
champions of the new measure. which will
be vigorously fought by members who
oppose granting the President further
powers.
Sessions of the Senate and House to-day
passed without revival of the controversy,
but tomorrow addresses in both bodies
are scheduled.
TEXT OF OVERMAN BILL.
The text of the Overman bill follows:
"a bill authorizing the President to co.
. ordinate and consolidate the executive
bureaus, agencies, officers and for other
3 purposes in the interest of economy and
/ the more effective administration Of the
government. Section one: That for the
national security and defense for the sue
r cessful prosecution of the war for the sup