By Ashland, President
WASHINGTON. May 10. — In beginning consideration today of the $3,390,000,000 war budget, the Senate devoted the entire session to sweeping criticism of the executive branch of the government. Seldom has the Senate chamber seen the scene of such vehement attacks, continued for five hours behind closed doors, and renewed after the doors were opened. No progress was made on the bill, but with the outburst of indignation out of the way, Senate leaders thought passage of the huge war appropriation measure would not be long delayed.
The Council of National Defense, composed of Cabinet officers; its civilian advisory commission, and the government Shipping Board were special targets of senatorial wrath, and President Wilson himself was sharply criticized. The council was charged with usurpation of authority and with unlawfully delegating power to the advisory board. The Shipping Board was assailed for alleged interference with private shipbuilders, and for insisting upon its wooden ship program. The President was attacked for alleged lack of cooperation and consultation with Congress.
The upshot of the entire discussion was adoption of Senator Sterling's amendment setting forth that the powers of the Council of National Defense shall not be considered enlarged because of war conditions. A section of the bill, appropriating $1500,000 for the defense council, was the basis for the debate. 