Evening star., 1938-04-04

powers of dicta-
Senator R,,,.v torship without
desiring to be a
dictator. But who could resist the
temptations Of unbridled power?
The judiciary reform bill was beaten
after a long struggle that aroused the
people OF this country as they had not
been aroused in so years.
The reorganization bill was held
back in committee, where it remained
for more than year. Under the
leadership of Senator Byrd, this bill
was decidedly altered, and when it
was reported out in February, 1898,
it was by no means the measure that
was first presented Nevertheless it
was an Objectionable measure, and it
came before the Senate with much of
the antipathy originally attached.
The principal argument for the bill
is that the perfect wilderness of bu-
reaus, agencies and activities of the
Federal Government demands simpli-
f1cation and coordination: and that
the Congress has not done and cannot
do the job. That the bill does provide
for an audit of the Governments &C.
counts after expenditure. That, on
the point of power, at worst it ex-
pires july /, 1910, by limitation.
Sees Bad Precedent.
The principal argument against the
bill is that it is the job of the Con-
gress to reorganize the Government,
and that to give it over to the Presi-
dent without recourse is unsound: ::
that it gives him too much power and
sets a bad precedent. This argument
was reinforced by the consideration
that, in the proposed reorganization
no saving of money is expected.
The modified bill was debated in the
Senate 80 days. and this debate is
an excellent Illustration of the value
OF congressional debate. The country
became informed. and, after three
weeks. there came to Congress a tre-
mendous tide of protest against the
measure. 1t finally passed the Sen
ate after "a amendments had been
adopted, and is now pending in the
House. The bill was improved and our
historic processes were fortified by this
experience. 1t is lesson in govern
ment to us all. It must be further
improved before it is accepted.
In its present form, while it is
not the dangerous measure it once
was, it is bad measure and ought
to be vigorously opposed There is
reason for real concern as to the merits
and the precedent.
The President has seen fit to give
two assurances-one that he does not
desire to become dictator, the other
that. with respect to the legislative
power granted, he will be strongly
moved to defer to the expressed judg-
ment OF Congress as evinced by con-
current resolution. This assurance
emphatically supports the principle
OF the Wheeler amendment, which
would have reserved to the Congress
the right to review and revoke the
Presidents orders in the premises.
Senator Wheeler desired to write into
law no more than the President has
given specific assurance he will do.
Change in National Picture.
Compare this with the mo COM
promise" policy of last year. 1t reveals
a gratifying change in the whole ma
tional picture.
One may say that the hard battle,
therefore, has not been in vain.
Congressional consideration and the
right Of petition have been vindicated
The heart of the objection to the
bill-as finally offered-was the dele
cation Of legislative powers to the
President. The Presidents assurance
that he will not inconsiderately over
ride the will of majority of the
Congress and intends to accept its
judgment tends to reduce this objec-
ton. But why not write it into law?
The Senate so amended the bill as
to eliminate the power to alter func-
tions Of department, bureaus and
agencies. Only the power to transfer
and consolidate departments, bureaus
and agencies remains
There was serious objection to the
title demolishing the present Civil
Service Board (bi-partisan and sub
stitution therefor ore-man admins
traitor. 1t is understood that the
House will provide both-i.e., an ad-
ministrator under supervision of a. BIZ
partisan board. If this shall save the
civil service. as opposed to the spoils
system, all will be we'll
"Mere Audit" Provided.
Many have attached great impor-
tance to the power of the controller s
Office to prevent the use of public
money for purposes not authorized by
the Congress. The bill presented to
the Senate abolished this power and
provided mere audit after the ex-
penditure. 1t is earnestly to be hoped