Evening star., 1938-12-13
Agreement Forecast
By BarkIey on
Reorganization
Senate Leader Sees
Meeting of Views by
Congress, President
BY J. A. O'LEARY.

Senate Majority Leader Barley
believes it is entirely possible" to
work out Government reorganiza-
ton bill that would meet the
approval Of Congress and the Pres
ident."
He added, however, that this was
merely "a curbstone opinion" be-
cause he has not talked with any one
about suggested changes.
Developments during the past week
have made it clear the controversial
reorganizing program will be revived,
and it has been equally apparent the
bill again will confront strong oppo-
sition if it follows the scope of the
omnibus measure that died in the
House last summer.
Commenting on the suggestion
some returning members have made
that the reorganization plan be split
up into group of bills rather than
combined in an omnibus measure,
Senator Barkley said it is easier to
pass one bill than four, although the
degree of controversy might vary
on different bills. He indicated he
does not believe it makes much diff
ference which plan of procedure is
followed
Meanwhile, prediction that the
new Congress would pass the reor-
ganlZatlon program was made by
Representative Robinson, Demo-
| crat, of Utah, member of the House
Reorganization Committee, who ex-
pressed the opinion this Congress
will pass the four House bills sub
stantially as introduced last year"
Chairman Cochran of the COM
mittee said at the same time that
! the program would have a much
better chance" in the new Congress.
He said he based his conclusion on
statements of Senate sponsors that
they would introduce four separate
bills, rather than lump them to-
gether in single measure.
Representative Cochran expressed
the opinion that opponents of at
least one Of the proposals "ganged
up on us" and voted against the en-
tire bill even though they were op-
posed to only part of it."
Silent on Definite Program.
Senator Barkley, who is here on
brief visit and will return to his
State for the Christmas holidays,
was not ready to discuss a definite
legislative program for the coming
session.
He agreed, however, that an early
start undoubtedly would be made
on a supplemental relief appropria-
ton to provide for w. P. A. from
March l. when present funds ex-
pire, until June 30 For the first
eight months of the fiscal year the
last Congress provided 81 ,425 900 900
for this major relief agency. At the
same rate, it would take about s70O,-
100000 for the remaining four
months, but Senator Barkley said
his guess would be that the amount
required to finish the year would
not be that much.
Would Save Security Law.
The Senate leader announced his
opinion that whatever changes are
made in the social security set-up
should be in the form of amend
ments to the present social security
law rather than to scrap what has
been done and start all over again"
During the recent election CAM
paign variety of entirely new pen
sion systems, aiming generally at
larger payments, were put forward.
With regard to the armament
program for national defense, Mr..
Barkley said there probably is suf-
flcient enabling legislation on which
to go forward with appropriations
for upbuilding of the Navy, but that
some additional basic law may be
needed for expansion of Army IA
cilities.
Asked if he thought there would
be any changes in the Wagner
Labor Relations Act at this ses-
sion, the majority leader said that
while he has heard a good deal OF
talk about the subject, suggested
changes have not been very spe-
cific." The appropriate committee
probably will give the matter con-
sideration, he added.