Arizona republican., 1918-06-19
The Council of Defense Bill

After running the gauntlet of the most sordid of factional politics and selfish ambitions of the various gubernatoral candidates the Council of De- fense bill has emerged from the legislature. including a number of the constructive clauses which were suggested by those who really wished to this measure made effective instrument for the mobili zation of the and the activities of the and women of this state for war service.
 The bill which has finally been passed and which in judgment. nearly practical effective | the senate bill which destroyed in Inc house, owing to the of factonal zeal is Jtll which placed in the hands of strong re-balanced Council of Defense, composed of trained nen and women of patriotism experience, good judg nent and capacity, be made real service It must be recognized. however. that the bill passed confers tremendous powers upon the State Council of Defense; powers which can only be safely exercised by citizens with level heads and of un- questioned public spirit who recognize in the pro- visions of this opportunity to enable Ari- to give the maximum of real service.
 Section of the bill under the head of '1nvesti- gatons." is clause which in the original recommen- dations of the National Council of Defense on this subject was especially desirable This important sec ton follows:
 Sec A. INVESTIGATIONS The Council
 
 government. or may on it's initiative. invest- sate any matters relating to the safety or welfare the Nation or State in time of In further tnce of such investigation it shall have the power
 O require any person 10 appear before it for
 animation under oath or affirmation. administered
 y it's presiding officer other member desig- lated for such purpose, and shall likewise have bower to require any person, association or cor loraton to produce for examination any books, comments or papers in his or its possession. The Council shall have power to direct the information fppd uttcd g,4io ho public, or to be treated confidential.
 Any thoughtful person reading the foregoing clause will recognize at once the vast powers erred on the council which may be exercised for the best welfare of the state and also the exceeding which could be done by a counc. whose members tack sound judgment and among whom real sense Of public service does not prevail.
 The bill finally passed. fortunately contains provision for the creation of county councils of de- lense which was originally eliminated from the house bill This feature will allow of the continuance of the cooperation existing between the State Council of Defense and the county councils, through which large portion of the constructive work provided must necessarily be done; but the legislature in it's haste , get something done on which the various factions could temporarily agree failed to provide how the expenses of the county councils should be met Bu, we assume that the boards of supervisors will in terpret this clause to that these expenses are to be paid other county expenses are paid, as the original bill provided.
 We believe that the governor appreciates the tre- mendous powers conferred by this Council of Defens. bill and realizes that to make this law effective so that Arizona may make a record for the maximum of efficiency in work it will be necessary to appoint group of the electors to administer this act who's. character patriotism judgment ability and high senss of public service will success Any other kind of administration of this law would spell exceeding danger 10 the state of Arizona.