The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1946-04-14
BY ARTHUR KROCK

in this column, beginning tomorroW.-The
Editor.)
By ARTHUR KROCK
WASHINGTON, April Ex-senator Robert
son of Wyoming was the first legislator to
make the point against the Thomas unification
bill which will be one of its chief stumbling
blocks. But he will not be the last. AS any
chart FOR total unification of the Army and
Navy must, the plan puts both departments
under a single secretary, and thus gives to
both services-including their air forces and
the United States Marines-only one voice in
the Presidents Cabinet where now they have
two. This is the point raised unfavorably by
Mr.. Robertson and with many others it
weighs heavily against the plan.
Approval is general of those parts of the
bill which unity procurement, shipping, sci
entific research and, in time of war and ma
neuver, overall command. The further pro-
posal that Cabinet and national resources COM
mittees on security and armed defense be
established, with an expert secretariat and eff
fective liaison is also not seriously opposed.
But the claim of the advocates of total uni
fication that these committees would answer
the objection voiced by Senator Robertson is
widely disputed. And it must be made much
more persuasive before numerous legislators
can be induced to accept it.
In some administrations the Cabinet as such
has little influence on policies and single de-
cisons. The famous illustration is Lincoln's
remark, when all his Cabinet voted one way
and he the other, that his motion had car
ried Unanimously But President Truman is
a great believer in the advisory partnership
Of the Cabinet and the trend of opinion there
in affects his courses, although he has as
much right and power as Lincoln hao to dis
regard it. And it is conceivable that there
| have been and will be occasions when this
will happen.
But as matters stand two members of hit
Cabinet speak at its meetings for the depart
ments charged with military and naval
| defenses, and each has an Under-Secretary to
represent him in his absence. Those who con-
tend that modern developments in war-making
and defense should give an autonomous voice
| to military aviation believe another Cabinet
member should be added for this purpose
But the Thomas bill provides for only one
secretary for Army, Navy, Marine Corps and
Air, and but one Under-Secretary as well.
Below this high official tier, with Cabinet
rank and therefore regular access to the presi-
dent, caretakers of the interests o. all branch
es Of the armed services are provided in this
bill and others. Seven assistant secretaries
are to be created, and they would be in
position to press these interests with the sec
rotary and Under-Secretary of Common De-
Tense" They could not, however. get their
views before the president and his Cabinet
unless their immediate superiors so elected
Therefore, the number Of assistant secretaries
created In these proposals do not answer the
objection made by Senator Robertson and by
many others.
This criticism of any legislation that will
effect total unification has not changed or i'm
portantly influenced the Presidents resolve 10
have such bill passed if he can. Also it has
not deferred the drafting of such d measure
Very probably the recent support for the pro-
posal OF Cabinet and national resources COM
mlttees on defense and security is tangible
consequence of the criticism. But, as has been
said that is not being accepted as an answer
! Hence legislation for total unity-the Thomas
bill or something like twill continue to face
serious and determined opposition. This may
not prevail, and there may be an unspoken
sentiment in Congress which will express it.
self IN contrary action at this session. But
Jew observers think there will be Secretary
OF Common Defense in this country in the
year 1916.
Meanwhile testimony as to the real weight
! OF the criticism for which Mr.. Robertson is
the first spokesman would be interesting Ger
talnly it Is readily available to the members
OF the committees of Congress who will pass
on unlflcation before it comes before either
branch, and what the witnesses say will be
open to all Senators and representatives These
witnesses are former members of Presidential
Cabinets of whom there are number other
wise engaged. Each could be asked what in
his opinion would be the effect on a balanced
armed defense of reducing its Cabinet repre-
sentatives from two to one.
OF these former Secretaries the following
are now pursuing other activities: ex-President
Hoover (Commerce); Colby, Hughes. Stimson
Hull and Stettinius (State): Daniels Adams and
Edison Navy; Glass and Morgenthau (Treas
ury); Hurley, Woodring and Stimson (War).
Wlckard (Agr1culture); Hays, Farley and
walker 'Postofflce); McReynolds Stone, Nit
chell, cummings, Murphy, Jackson and Biddle
'Jusrce); Jones (Commerce): Davis and Per-
Klns Nabor); and-ever ready with views nm
any subJect-Ickes Gnterior) There NAV bo
more VINO are living somewhere so ouet1v
that they have disappeared from the neus ~
dexes. "' III
After taking into account the fact that ma
or TWO OF these have already expressed SIN.
port OF total unification or objection +bero+o
Tie composite of their opinions nm +his noiot
Woulo ne interesting and valuable If noiaL.
very well dispose of the Robertson aro,n,e,,.
VI sustain 1t so strongly that Congress- would
auopt only modified form of the Tnor,.r
pian ana leave the services with two OWLS
spokesman in the Cabinet-New vor,- tr;,.ls
me loea nowadays is to send stowawavs
naeA noiile without seeing thing-excent th.t
they made mistake 1p' 'iid'
style expert says man can be we'll dres-
seo WIN II suits. Hurrah Most of us are within