Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-04-15
CENSORSHIP ON
NEWS0RDERED;
BOARD NAMED
BY PRESIDENT
The COMMITTEE on Public
Information" Created by
Executive Order with a
Civilian Newspaper Man
as It's Chairman.
PLAN TO SAFEGUARD
ALL INFORMATION

Every Department of the
Government to Be Open
to the Inspection Of the
People so Far as Consist
ant with the Nations Wei
fare.
Washington, April IA
The machinery of a velvet
glove censorship was set in
motion by order of President
Wilson today.
Without waiting for sane
ton by congress the presi-
dent named a board to pre-
vent the publication of "pol-
icies, plans and specific ac-
tivities which might consti-
tute a source of danger.
CIVILIAN At HEAD.
The board starts it's work at once.
Il includes Secretary OF War Baker,
Secretary of state Lansing, Secretary
OF the Navy Daniels, and George Creel.
civilian, chairman.
At the request of the three depart
ment heads, President Wilson created
the committee on public information
by executive order.
The committee is to proceed imme-
diately with tho framing Of regulations
TO safeguard all information of value
to the enemy and at the same time "a
open every department OF the govern
ment to tho inspection Of the people as
far as possible"
LETTER FROM SECRETARIES.
The following letter, signed by the
three secretaries, recommended the nc.
tion:
Dear Mr.. President; Even though
tho cooperation Of the press has been
generous and patriotic, there Is q
steadily developing need for some au-
thoritative agency to assure the publ
cation of all the vital facts of national
defense. Premature or ill-advised an
nouncement of policies, plans and spe-
cific activities, whether innocent OF
otherwise, would constitute a source
OF danger.
LITTLE TO CONCEAL.
while there is much tnat is prop
erly secret In connection with the de-
partments OF tho government. the to-
tai is small compared to the vast
amount of information that 1t is right
and proper for the people to have.
Americas great present needs are
confidence, enthusiasm and service
and these needs will not be met COM
pleteiy unless every citizen Is given
the feeling of partnership that comes
with full and frank statements con-
cerning the conduct Of the public busi'
ness.
CREATION OF COMMITTEE.
1T Ia our opinion that the, two fune-
tions---oensorship and publicity--car
be joined In honesty and with profit
and we recommend the creation OF q
committee on public information. The
chairman should be a civilian. prefer
ably some writer Of proved courage
ability and vision. able to gain the ,un.
dersta4iding cooperation OF the press
and at the same time rally the authors
of the country to work OF service
All members should be tho secretary
Of state. the secretary Of war. and the
secretary OF the navy. or an officer
or officers, detailed to the work by
them.
1--WE believe you have tho authorit,
to create this committee on public In.
formation without waiting for further
legislation. and because Of the I'm
portance Of the task. and it, pressing
necessity. we trust that you will see
at to do 30.
TO FRAME REGULATIONS.
"The committee. upon appointment
can proceed to the framing Of regu-
latiocs and the creation Of machinery
that viii safeguard all information Of
value to an enemy. and at the same
time open every department Of gov
srnment to the inspection Of the people
q far 40 possible. Such regulations
Continued % Pare Two,