Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-01-22
DEMOCRATS
LEARN DECISION OF
PRESIDENT To FIGHT
Measure introduced in Senate
by Chairman Chamberlain,
of Military Affairs Commit
tee, Despite Opposition

WASHINGTON. Jan 21.-Presideni
Wilson has served notice on Democratic
leaders in the senate that he will use
all his influence and power to beat the
bill to create war council.
THE president will fight to the fin
ish," was the word brought to the cap
itoI today.
Establishment of a war cabinet OF
three distinguished citizens of demon,
strated executive ability is provided in
the senate military committees bill, as
introduced today by Chairman Chamber
lain
Despite the presidents announced de-
termination to oppose the bill with all
his resources, it was introduced in the.
senate today as planned, by Chairman
Chamberlain. of the military committee,
and with the approval of practically all
the democrats of the committee, who
showed no disposition to recede.
Members of congress saw in the sit
uations the making Of an historical con-
test between the executive and con-
gress.
President Wilson told the leaders
with whom he consulted today that he
considered the creation of war coun-
Gil would take the personal direction
of Americas part in the conflict out of
his hands and likened it to the attempts
to curtaiI the authority of President
Lincoln.
Senator Chamberlains action follow
ed conferences between President Will
son and Senators Martin and Simmons.
democratic leders, today, at which the
president, announced his opposition to
the measure.
That one of the most vigorous hgAts
In congress will ensue over the bill ap-
pears certain. The president has enter
ed the lists against the measure, call
ing in numerous legislators today for
conferences at the white house. He
talked with Majority Leader Kitchin and
Representatives Kahn and Dent of the
house military committee among others
apparently to Illustrate favorable ac-
ton on the bill
The war cabinet the bill provides, shall
be appointed by the president with the
consent of the senate and is to have
the following Jurisdiction authority:
ITO consider. devise and formulate
plans and policies, general and special
for the effectual conduct and vigorous
prosecution of the existing war and
-. -. to direct and procure the exer
cution of the same.
'"To supervise, coordinate, direct and
control the functions and activities OF
all executive departments, officials and
agencies of the government insofar as,
in the judgment of the war cabinet, it
may be necessary or advisable
for the effectual conduct and vigorous
prosecution of the existing war.
ITO consider and determine. upon its
own motion or upon submission to il.
subject to review by the president, all
differences and questions relating to the
conduct and prosecution of the war that
may arise between any such depart
ments, officials and agencies of the gov
eminent"
Another section would give the war
cabinet lower to use the service of any
or all executive departments and bu-
reaus.
Subject to review by the president, the
proposed cabinet would have authority
90 make any necessary orders to any de-
partment or bureau and all the necessary
rules and regulations. The secretaries
of war and navy are directed to assign
to the cabinet such commissioned Off
GERS as may be requested, and the pres
ident may appoint other officials to
serve as subordinates to the cabinet
each with a salary of $4,000 annually.
An initial appropriation Of $500, 1000 is
proposed.
A provision limiting the life of the
war cabinet to six months after the ter
of the war, or at any earlier
date after peace, which the president
may designate is provided.
The cabinet would be given authority
over construction of appropriation acts,
subject to the presidents revision.