Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-12-24
Member Of the Associated Press,
Reorganization.

reorganization of the executive depart
ments of the Governments. Occasionally
there has been a piecemeal reorganiza-
ton. But always something has cropped
mp 10 block any general change in the
framework, designed for greater eff
cheney, the elimination of overlapping
work and jurisdiction and economy.
President Roosevelt it now appears, is
determined to tackle this job of reor-
ganization and make it complete. There
Is room for it, particularly in view Of
the many new and independent bureaus.
commissions and administrations" that
have sprung up like mushrooms during
the past few years.
Judging from the Presidents discus
sion Of the matter, 1t is his purpose to
recommend grouping of many of the
agencies under one head, to bring them
al, or practically all, under the directing
control Of the cabinet officers who pre-
side over the major departments of the
Government. There are ten OF these
departments. It has been suggested
that new Office, the Department of
Public Welfare, be created, which would
take over all relief work, public works,
etc. Such department might well be-
come a catch-all. Its ramifications
doubtless would be extensive. At the
same time, its establishment would be
interpreted as meaning that relief is to
be permanent institution.
It would be possible, in all probability,
20 fit the various new Government agen-
cies into the existing major departments.
The Department of the Interior, for ex-
ample, should be able to handle public
works, and probably relief and work re-
lief. The Secretary of the Interior to-
day Is at the head of the Public Works
Administration and has made an effec-
tive achievement. The Department of
Labor and the Department of Commerce
probably could absorb and handle eff
siently other agencies that have been set
up dealing with public welfare particu-
larry. The establishment of brand-new
major department with a cabinet officer
ct its head could only mean a still fur
Bier enlargement of the Government
service and still greater expenditures.
Those are things which the President
plainly does not desire.
The Presidents object in seeking re-
organization, 1t is explained, is primarily
greater efficiency and the elimination of
overlapping. That is given precedence over
economy. 1t is not his purpose to re-
duce the activities of the Government in
the interest of the people. Such economy
Is may result from greater efficiency in
Government service and the avoidance
of duplication of effort and service
naturally would be welcome.
The President also has in mind doing
something about those independent
agencies. so called, which have quasi
judicial and also executive functions. He
takes the stand that all executive func-
lions should come directly under the
President, who according to the Consti-
tuition, Is the Chief Executive of the
Nation. Congress has sought, in Great
ing some of the independent agencies,
to keep them aloof from politics and
the influences which naturally come
from direct control by the White
House. This is particularly true, for
example, in connection with the General
Accounting Office, the Interstate Com
merce Commission and the Federal Trade
Commission. How far the President in
tends going in his recommendations re-
karding these and other similar agencies
remains to be seen.