Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1933-01-09
Group Claims Hoover's Pro-
gram EmbodieS "No Pres
ent Economy"
MINORITY REPORT MADE
BY FIVE REPUBLICANS
Democrats Hold Roosevelt Should
Be Given Free Hand
in Matter.

President Hoover's plan for reorgan-
izing the Government establishments
stood disapproved today in a majority
report submitted by the House Expen-
ditures Committee because, in the opin-
ion of the committee members, the
project embodies mo present economy"
The committee probably will submit
the report to the House this week. A
draft of it was made public yesterday.
The report favored the resolution of
Chairman Cochran for disappearing"
the Presidents program, which, under
60-day clause In the economy act,
would have become effective early in
February unless either house of Con-
gress blocked it.
Five Oppose Report.
A strong dissent to Democratic argu-
ments was made by five Republican
committee members. Representatives
Williamson, South Dakota; Cotton,
Utah; Wegglesworth, Massachusetts,
and HOLSTER, Ohio said the Democrats
seemed determined to reject the Presi-
dents orders solely upon the ground
the incoming President should have a
free hand in recognizing along such
lines as he may deem expedient."
Gould anything more farcical and
partisan be seriously advanced by intel
ligent men," their report said.
Representative Schafer, Wisconsin, in
still another dissent, said he felt the
committee should have considered each
separate consolidation proposed by Mr..
Hoover on its merits.
Democratic leaders in the House have
indicated they are supporting the move
to disapproye the Presidents recon-
mendations.
May Broaden Powers.
One reason for Democratic opposition
is the movement under way to leave re-
grouping to Gov. Roosevelt and broaden
his powers so both houses would have
to reject changes he may propose, IN
order to shelve them.
The majority report, written by
Chairman Cochran, said all witnesses
who wanted to be heard were called
and that, outside of Col J.. Clawson
Roop, director of the budget, the only
witness who supported Mr.. Hoover was
Williamson.
AT the conclusion Of his testimony
the report said, "% Col. Room ex-
pressed his personal opinion that it
would be unwise to make the proposed
changes on the eve of the inauguration
Of a new President"
Cites Legal Questions.
Cochran said the President had sup
piled little information on realignments
affecting SO agencies; that there were
legal questions involved, and that Mr..
Hoover seemed ito have exceeded his
authority. He said it was possible that
in time some of the establishments
might save money, but the need for
economy was imperative now.
I'VE are firmly of the opinion. es-
pecially in view of the condition of the
Treasury and the imperative necessity
OF drastic reductions in Government
expenditures" the general minority re-
port said. that the Presidents execu-
tive orders should be allowed to stand.
except as to that part thereof which
to the committee would appear unwise
after due consideration. =
THE President-elect and Democratic
leaders in both the House and the Sen.
ate are using every effort to avoid a
special session. This means that if the
Presidents reorganization is upset.
nothing at all can be accomplished dur
ing the next II months"