Evening star., 1932-02-17
Effective Reorganization of
Executive Branch Absolute
Iy Necessary for Efficiency,
He Tells Congress.
GOVERNMENTAL WASTE
ATTACKED IN APPEAL
Stresses Importance of Starting
Work Immediately to Help
Taxpayers and Maps Gradual
Changes to Abolish Duplication
of Work.
BY ]. RUSSELL YOUNG.

Declaring that an effective re-
organization of the executive
branch of the Federal Govern
ment is absolutely essential in the
interest of efficiency and greater
governmental economy, President
Hoover, in a special message
transmitted to Congress today,
asked for the necessary authority
and at the same time urged Con-
gress to give this subject early
consideration.
Mr.. Hoover emphasized the fact
that the need for reorganization
now is obvious, mainly because it
would be an essential part of a
sound reconstruction and econ
omy program. 1t would result, he
said, in a saving of many millions
OF dollars now annually extracted
from overburdened taxpayers. His
purpose is TO stop overlapping of
authority, duplication of effort
and the indulgence in tremendous
waste and extravaganza.
The President insists that there
is little hope for success in bring
ing about a satisfactory organiza-
ton OF the Government unless the
task is placed in the hands of
some one who is responsible for It.
with authority and direction to
act. In his special recommended
tlonS he asks that the Chief EX-
ecutive be given this authority.
Plans Gradual Change.
His plan, according to his recon-
mendations is to bring about this re-
organization gradually and SYSTEM
atically, predicated upon a sound and
definite theory of Government and
with the view TO consolidation and
grouping Of activities according to their
major purposes under single headed
responsibility. He proposes that Con-
gresS itself designate the title of the
officer to be placed in immediate charge
Of such single-headed groups as are
not now possible under existing Or
ganization.
In this connection his specific recon-
mendations propose that advisory reg
ulatory and quasi-judicial functions
commissions. thereby permitting the
transfer of certain regulatory functions
from executive officials to existing
boards or commissions and the trans
fer OF executive functions from boards
and commissions to executive officials
In asking for authority, with proper
safeguards, for the President TO effect
these transfers and consultations and
| authority to redistribute executive
! departments Of the Government or in
the independent establishments. as the
President may determine, Mr.. Hoover
recommended that the President have
the power to do this by executive order.
He suggested that such an executive or
| der should lie before Congress for so
days before becoming effective. but be-
| coming effective at the end of such
| period unless Congress shall request
suspension of such action.
Outlines Reorganization.
In carrying out this purpose of bring
irg about single headed responsibility,
| President Hoover recommended the
| creation of the following offices:
Public works administrator new
| cfice).
| Personnel administrator Cchange
from chairman of Civil Service Com
| mission).
Assistant Secretary for Public Health
| new.
Assistant Secretary for Education
| (change from commissioner.
! Assistant Secretary for Merchant
Marine new office.
Assistant Secretary for Conservation
| (new Office.
Assistant Secretary for Agricultural
Continued on Page S, Column a.