The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-02-07
Wilson. Introduces Measure
Empowering Him to Make
Over Departments.
BILL CHANGES FIGHT
ON NEW WAR CABINET
Executive Indicates That
General Shift Has Been
Considered.


dent with Secretary Bakers reappear-
sslce before the senate military COM
mittee today. for cross examination
upon his recent statement of what
America is doing in the war, the ad-
ministration's answer to congressional
agitation for a war cabinet and muni-
tions director was given by introduce
tion in the senate of bill transmitted
by President Wilson, which would give
the president blanket authority to re-
organize and coordinate all federal
departments. bureaus. agencies. Off
cials and personnel.
The new measure was taken to the
capitol by a personal representative of
the president and introduced by sena-
tor Overman, Democrat. soon after Mr..
Baker had suggested to the military
committee that such legislation was
necessary. 1t would empower the
president to completely make over the
executive branch of the government for
the period of the war. rearranging ex-
listing agencies and their functions and
establishing such new ones as he
might see fit.
Still in Doubt.
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 committee of which Senator
Oyerman is ranking Democratic men,
her. One move which some officials
say 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 pow
director of munitions.
The military committee did not get
far with its examination of Mr. Baker,
although he was questioned for three
hours because he demnrred at telling
in open session the basis for his as
sertion that the prospects were not un-
promising for enough ships to put a
million and a half American soldiers
in France this year. After much dis
cnssion. during which Senator Hitch
cock, who has termed the secretary's
statement, wildly exaggerated and
preporserous," insisted upon an answer
TO his questions, the committee agreed
that the information should be given in
secret session and Mr.. Baker promised
TO prepare statement for the pur-
POSE.
Examination continues.
The examination then turned to other
subjects. When the war secretary
left the stand ii was with the under
standing that he would have experts at
the department prepare detailed in
formation. which he was unable to give
concerning various phases of his gem
eral statement. After this has been
done he may be recalled for further
questioning.
In the meantime the committee will
proceed with its general war inquiry
examining tomorrow. Major Wheeler
acting chief of ordnance. regarding
production of chlorine. powder and
other explosives.
Many Troops in France.
Secretary Baker told the committee
that more American troops had beer
gotten to France on January L. thar
called for by the schedule. He ex-
planned that in his calculations as te
what could be done, he did not rely
entirely on American shipping, but
would go no further at the public
hearing.
In explaining functions Of the re-
organized war department bureaus tht
secretary said that. while Edward r
Stettinius. the new surveyor general o.
supplies. lacks technical legal author
ity.. he had broad powers in securing
production, with larger duties thar
England's munition director.
Gill Diq Surprise.
Legislation Is unnecessary to secur
government coordination, he contend
ed. other than that he suggested. AM
which is proposed in the Overman bill
Introduction of the overman bi
came as a surprise and promises I
CONTINUED on Page Six.)