The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-11-20
POLITICAL SPLIT
OVER PLANS FOR
RETURN TO PEACE
Republicans Plan to Oppose
Democrats Measures
By Arthur Sears Henning,

WASHINGTON, Nov 20-The re-
construction fight is on between the ad'
nnistration and the republicans who
will control the next congress,
The republicans have forced the issue
BY bringing forward a comprehensive
scheme of legislation for the readjust'
incnt of the country to peace basis, as
has been outlined. The democrats are
marking time awaiting orders from C
White House. As evidence OF the re-
iuctanee of the administration leaders
In the senate to take any action without
the presidents express direction the
democratic majority Of the reconStruc-
ton subcommittee Of the judiciary
committee failed to put forward the
Oycrman reconstruction BILL a measure
introduced at the instance OF the White
House following the presentation Of
Senator Weeks bill
Look to Wilson.
President Wilson IS studying the
problem and is relied upon by the dem
ocra,ic leaders not only to chart their
legislative course but to execute flank
movement Wrestling the initiative from
the republicans and rcgaining leadership
in this vital movement for the dc
mobilization OF America.
The president must either 60 to CON
Rrcss for additional legislation which
any comprehensive plan OF reconSIruc-
ton clearly requires, or attempt TO
patch together existing machinery under
ri, war powers or his Interpretation
thereof. Those who are confident that
the president will not hesitate to deal
with the problem in a large way, be-
lievs he will anrcir before congress
without delay and ask the legislation
required.
For the president to take this step.
however. would he to adopt a policy
vigorously urged by the republicans for
months, il not to confess that unpre-
parednes for peace which has been
charged against the administration
Consequently there is strong temptation
ON the part OF the administration TO
avoid asking for reconstruction legiS-
lation at this time and to endeavor to
carry out the more urgent readjustment
steps with existing machinery
Wilson Has Plan, Claim.
Those who are striving to absolve
the administration OF the charge Of
unNrcparedneH for peace contend Mr.
Wilson long ago took stock OF his pow
ers and decided that he could carry
out the rehabilitation Of war indus.
tries without further legislation anc
that the larger aspects Of recon'truc
tion should await a more deliberat
consideration by congress They drew
a distinction between demobililatio
aud reconstruction and contend tha
under the Overman act, passed severa
months ago. the president has ampl
power to deal with Rehabilitation.
The president has been advised 4
create a rehabilitation cabinet or com
mission. composed OF the heads OF IN,
departments and boards directly con
nected with tho demobillaton OF tn,
army, the navy and the war industries
Such commission would administer
the processes Of bringing home the sol
diers and sailors and returning them I,
employment and OF slowing down IN
production OF munitions, reyiving In
production Of peace commodities an
returning war labor to peace employ
men,.
The Cabinet Plan.
Those who are Urging that a demobil
ration cabinet, or committee, should b
named with as little delay as powbl
say that there should be represented o
it certainly the army, the navy, III
treasury department, the department Z
labor, and the war industries, and III
shipping boards.
BY the, would be covered the d,
mobilization Of army and navy force