The sun., 1918-02-07
PRESIDENT ASKS
VAST POWERS TO
CONDUCT WAR
In Overman Bill Demands the
Right to Reorganize En-
tire Government.
FOR VIRTUAL AUTQCRACY
Measure Astounds Senate and
Democyatic Leader Martin
Refuses support.
sp.ciai pespateA to n, SEE.

NAsHINGTON, FeD. .. - kTVol0ont
Wilson to-day transmitted to the Sen
sos his answer to the growing demand
fer reorganization OF the executive de-
psrtmsnts Of the 0evsrnment concerned
f. tho prosecution OF the war. It was .
counter demand for authorisa tion 10 rs-
{. .anize the entire Government without
transcription OF restraint upon his
'sonal will.
The Presidents demand was presented
IN tie form Of a bill introduced by
s.na.or overnan tNorth Caroiina).
t ter Senator Martin, the Democratic
f,or leader. had refused to stand spon-
sr for it.
Under the bill absolutely autocratic
p5wers would be conveyed to the Presi-
dent to reorganise the established de-
rartmsnts. bureaus, agencies and Of
fces without consultation with Congress
and without the necessity for any lssis-
l2tve sanction to his acts beyond the
appropriation Of the funds necessary to
lay the bills.
Martin Refused sapnert.
MOTC lll8u u WGCR o8V ku0 1I00l00Wl
IT on the idea for meeting the charges
Of deficiency in the governmental ma
chnery. and Senator Martin was ap-
preached with the suggestion that he
Introduce q measure Of the sort Pre-
sented to-day by Senator Ovsrman. A.
that time be tsla sthe HpsqiAmts sgaip-
sary that ne could neither inttodues nor
support such q bill - --'-' 's
The emissAry rssusnel 70 ~ WHITE
House somewhat crA1tfAllen. bYt not.
hopelesa Meanwhile Senator, Martin
conferred with Senator Simmons tNorth
Carolina), chairman Of the Committed
on Finance This conference was not
productive Of q change in the attitude OF
Senator Martin and It b rufhored but
hot confirmed that he found In Senator
criticism Of the proposed law.
To-day Postmastsr-Gsneral Burleson
again visited the Capitol and presented
final plea for party support for the bill.
His mission was fruitlsss and Senator
uyerman at once carried the bill to the
Senate. whence It was referred to tho
Committee on the judiciary.
Text ea the MN.
The following y the Overman bill:
Section THAT for the national 30
oIr!ty and defence, for the successful
Prosecution Of the war. for the support
and maintenance Of the army and navy.
for the better utilization Of resources
and industries and for the more effective
exercise and more efIlcisnt administrar
ton by the President Of his powers -
Commander in Chief Of the land and
raval forces the President 10 hereby
authorised and empowered to make such
redistribution Of functions among ex-
ecutive agencies ~ he may deem neces-'
sary. including any functions. duties and
powers hitherto by law conferred on any
executive department, commission. bu-
reau. agency. once or oficer in such
manner as in his Judgment shall seem
hest fitted to carry out the purposes Of
this act and to this ,end 10 authorised
10 make such regulallons and to issue
such orders as he may deem necessary
provided that this act shall remain in
1orce during the continuance Of the
present war and for one year after the
termination OF the war by the proclama-
ton Of the treaty Of peace or At such
earlier time during the said year ~ the
president may designate: and provided
further that the termination Of this act
snail not affect any Acts done or any
right or obligation accruing or accrued
lursuant to this act and during the time
'lat this act Is In force.
May Make Any CAaasss.
Section e-That in carrying out the
rurpose of this act the President 10
nuthorized In &uch manner 40 he may
deem most appropriate to coordinate
C consolidate any executive commits
'ons, bureaus, agencies. oflacss or on
A,sAl
from one existing department.. commis.
sion, bureau. agency. once or ofyicer
% another: to transfer the personnel
,eereof or any part Of Il, either by
usiail or assignment, together With the
sneie Or any part Of the records and
ruoIic property belonging thereto. and
Io employ by executive order any ad-
uuohal agency or agencies and tc vest
!herein the performance Of such func.
IONS as he may deem appropriate
section 3--That for the purpose Of
'arry'ns out the provisions Of this act
any moneys heretofore and hereafter
appropriated for the use OF any exscu.
I'VE department. commission. burAau,
asehcy. ONCE or oficsr shall b. lvail-
"p.e for the purposes for which II vas
.nplopriated under the direction Of such
tsn ner seency as wny b directed by
'Neeute said function.
section THAT during the time this
~ IN force all restrictions In any
listing law creating any executive dc.
Mment' commAsion. bureau. asency,
.s ,h. or on'csr or defining the duties
~ ~" ,S nal Be dssmsd To b suspsndsd
co,., ne extent that they may b In.
.onsistAnt with the sxerc4se al the IA.
mority herein conferred"
CONSERVATION spread throusn th~ 90.
.ol when the daring charsefer "a ~.
presidents latest move q ~ is.Is.