The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-12-04
DAVIS HAS
OWN REPORT
TO APPROVE
Plans Completed for Unified
Control of Railroads in
Time of War

Washington. Dec. 4.--tP)- Score
tary Davis of the War Department,
has the unique distinction OF haV-
ing before him for approval re-
port signed by himself on his own
activities as Assistant Secretary OF
War The document is his annual
report as Assistant Secretary to the
Secretary, and was signed by Mr..
Davis before Secretary Weeks res
ignation, although the former secre-
tary did not act upon any OF its rec
concentrations, leaving that to ms
successor.
As Assistant Secretary and in
charge of the general War Depart.
ment procurement program, as we'll
as of the industrial mobilization
planning, Mr.. Davis stressed in his
report the Importance of representa-
ton of his office in the departments
budgctary supervision machinery.
Representation Necessary
at has seemed to me of paramount
Importance" he said. that in con-
sideraton of the Army bud get, my
office should be represented IN or
der to assist in presenting the point
of view of the supply branches. Past
history has indicated that in gen
cral the appropriation needs of the
supply branches are sacrificed to
those of personnel, a condition which
can be remedied only by constant
watchfulness and continuing effort"
The arrangement for such supervl-
sion by the Assistant Secretary's Of
flee was made with Mr.. Weeks APP
proval during the period covered by
the report.
Explaining the methods for coor-
dinating supply purchases and shap-
ing them to the best available mar
ket conditions. the Assistant Secre-
airy said he had established contact
with other governmental agencies in
order to obtain estimates on future
market conditions as to commodities
the Army would purchase in guam
titv in any year. This information
had been provided to purchasing Of
ficers in time for them to take ad-
vantage and plan their procurements
under most favorable market trends,
he said.
War Emergency Plans
The report also disclosed that
plans have been completed in a tenta-
tive way under which unified control
of the railroads could be exercised
in war emergency OF major pro
portions 1t was formulated after
extensive' discussions with the As.
ISOLATION of Railway Executives anc
is based on the statute authorizing
the Secretary of War to take oven
the roads, but contemplates that "ac
tual operation and the carrying ou
of general policies will be left large
w to existing raj May organizations
The report expressed concern ovel
the rapid depletion Of reserve stock:
of equipment and supplies left Owe
from the world war, creating stu
alton under which the actual annua
cost of the Army "is in excess of thu
present annual appropriations.
"Sooner or later this condition viii
have to be corrected either by mean
of greater appropriations or by tn
reduction Of War Department activ
tiles" Mr.. Davis said. bad as tn
situation is, the gradual depletion
of our war reserves has a still NOR
serious aspect.
Time Is Vital Point
"The resources Of men and mate
rial which are available, or whlcl
can be made available to the unite'
States in an emergency by prope
system of reserves, and promp
strategical and diplomatic action o.
the occurrence Of the emergency, ar
so preponderant IN comparison WIZ
those available to any possible com
binaton of enemy powers that it
certain that no successful attack ca
be made against continental Unite
States unless it can be carried on
with such rapidity that time is no
available for our military and indus
trial mobilization. The tremendou
Importance of accelerating ou
mobilization by means of adequat
reserves is obvious"