The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-01-21
EVEN OLD SCORE FOR WAR CABINET
Bill Calls for One Despite Presi-
dents Opposition.
Would Supersede Present Cabi'
net in Conducting War.

Washington, Jan. 21.-Establish-
ment of a war cabinet of three distin-
guished citizens of demonstrated exec
utive ability is provided in the senate
military committees bill as introduced
by Chairman Chamberlain President
Wilson and Secretary Baker are con-
sidering whether it shall be given ad-
ministration support, with the presl-
dent apparently not yet ready to &C
cede his approval.
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 au-
thority:
plans and policies, general and special,
for the effectual conduct and vigor-
Gus prosecution of the existing war
and to direct and procure the execu-
ton of the Eame.
ITO supervise, coordinate, direct
and control the functions and activi-
ties of all executive departments, Off
Gals and agencies of the government
insofar as, in the judgment of the Hvar
cabinet, it may be necessary or adj
visable for the effectual conduct and
vigorous prosecution of the existing
war.
Submit Disputes to President.
it's own motion or upon submission to
it 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
departments, officials and agencies of
the government.
/ Another section would give the war
cabinet power. to use the service of
fanny or all executive departments and
4 ureauS-
r. Subject to review by the president
the proposed cabinet would have au-
bthority to make any necessary orders
to any department or bureau and all
the necessary rules and regulations
+ The secretaries of the war and navy
are directed to assign to the cabinet
such commissioned officers as may be
requested and the president may ap-
point other officials to serve as sub
ordinates of the. cabinet. An initial
appropriation of 100000 is proposed
Wilson VIII Fight 1t.
A provision limiting the life of the
war cabinet to six months after the
termination of the war. or at any ear
lier dare after peace which the presf-
dent may designate is provided.
The cabinet would be given author
| ity over conservation of appropriation
acts, subject to the presidents revi-
sion.
President 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 a wal
/ council
THE president will fight to the fin
/ ish," was the word brought to tbs
capitol today.
VIII Continue Senate Probe.
War cabinet members would receive
| $4,000 annually, the same as mem
bers of the executive cabinet and
yxrrN IN T. al hi ,.t
members in power for control of war
policies. The measure also carries ar
| initial appropriation of $50, 900, 900 fol
| the work.
! The senate war inquiry, suspended
recently 10 complete the details of the
war cabinet legislation, probably will
/ be resumed late this week with in
vestigation into cantonmeut contracts
army sanitation and aircraft produc-
! ton.
Endorses Nays Progress.
! 1t was generally accepted that The
| Republicans were for the bill. Sena-
! tor Swanson, acting chairman of the
naval committee, objected to the bill
| being referred to the military com
! mittee alone and it went over until to-
j morrow without reference.
I'VE are satisfied the navy is eff
! cient." said Senator Swanson, land d.
/ not think its reorganization should be
considered by the military committee
alone 1t should be considered b,
both the naval and military commit
! tees. The navy has measured up and
/ we don't want a reorganization"