Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1918-12-17
Republican A. p. leased Wirel


ANNAPOLIS, Nd. Dec 16.-Thirty-
six state governors, or governor elect,
in annual conference here today were
told by Secretary Baker that the war
had proven the indispensability of
strong state governments in peace as
well as wart times. as the principal
agencies for mobilizing and demobil-
izing armies, finding work for return
ming soldiers and developing better
methods of physical training for young
men. At the same time, he pleaded
that state authorities give cities more
freedom to work out their individual
local problems.
Early disbandment OF the draft
boards and state branches of the coun-
ell of national defense as federal agen-
cies, was advocated by the secretary,
who urged, however, that both remain
in existence informally, to aid local au-
thorities in solving problems of the re-
adjustment period.
Among those in attendance are Gov
crnor Hunt of Arizona: Capper. Kan
sas; Lindsey, New Mexico; Williams,
oklahoma; and Governors elect Camp
bell, Arizona; Allen Of Kansas; LARA
zolo, New Mexico Robertson, Okla
homa.
Look Up State Lands
Secretary Houston, addressing the
governors today, suggested that state
governments ascertain Immediately
what farming lands might be available
for use Of returning soldiers. He eau
toned, howeer. against throwing men
unfortunately into agricultural pur-
suits, without previous experience or
adequate training.
Reconstruction problems, particular
ly those relating to labor, education and
public lands will be discussed by the
governors at their meetings tomorrow,
and at the closing sessions Wednesday,
they will hear addresses by Secretary
Daniels and Secretary Lane. Tonight
they will attend a reception at the
home of Governor Harrington of Mary
land
Secretary Baker said his principal
purpose in addressing the state execu-
tives was 10 express thanks for the
remarkable manner in which state and
local authorities. through defense coun-
ellis, draft boards and other officials,
had carried out the federal govern
ments wishes throughout the war and
had initiated measures of their own.
Tested State Government
This demonstration OF the ability of
a democracy to carry out great under
takinGs, using its constituted authori-
ties, is one Of the greatest lessons of
the war" the secretary said. Instead
OF adding to the aggregate of central
lied power, this war has strengthened
state governments and made them
more indispensable than ever in our
scheme of government"
The war secretary emphasized that
one OF the principal functions of states
hereafter, must be ito rescue young
men from the situation shown during
the recent mobilization, when one
third OF the drafted men were found to
be physically undeveloped or defec-
tive"
we must realize he said, that
physical education is as necessary tC
the development of our youths as
mental training. A sound mind must
depend upon sound body and We
should organize educational systems
providing for physical development
Disband Boards and Councils
Draft boards will be disbanded al
the end of this month, and state
branches of teh council of national de-
fense will cease functioning as fedora
agencies. as soon as possible, Mr.. Baker
said. He urged that both cooperate
with employment agencies in finding
work for soldiers.
Secretary Houston urged states tC
establish strong centralized agricul-
tural departments, to define more
clearly the functions of land grant col.
leges, to continue promotion of agricul.
tural extension work, build better
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