The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-10-18
CARL HAYDEN
 IN WAR TIMES

Iu uIllI IIUDIO
 When the last gun of this war is silenced and we have a minute to breathe easier and look around one of the interesting phases of the war will be the picture of our war congress. Congress was called into special session suddenly a short time after the inauguration of President Wilson for the second time.
 A close campaign had been fought and it almost took the official count to determine whether Wilson or Hughes had been elected. But finally the republican state of California came in with it's electoral vote for the democratic candidate. The coun- President Wilson's slogan, He kept us out of war" had received the ma- jority vote so many Americans were not prepared for the tremendous world events which were suddenly thrust upon our country.
 Almost over night it became ap- parent that America was about to take a stand. The president had no power to declare war. The function was vested in congress by the con- stitution. So following practically a peace" campaign congress due to new developments was suddenly call ed upon to decide the monanitous question.
 The question was the largest that had ever confronted the American con gress or the American people. It must be decided almost without con- sideration, debate or time for refiec. tion. We had no army, no munitions, no adequate number of army officers, few guns and few factories to make them, We lacked ships for transport purposes, in fact about all we had was rich country with vast stores of raw materials and lots of courage. Congress was thrust into this situ. ation: forced to almost take snap judgment in order to meet the grow l ing necessities. - i Here surely was a place to- test men and their mettle. Here we could see whether or not real men or mere ] ly politicians were representing us on congress.
 There were two phases in this con- gress. The conditions presenting themselves before war was declared and as they were after the declaration of war.
 l Until war was declared it was the business of every congressman to vote according to the necessities of tho occasion oc fhov dovolonod hocod not upon the declaration of war but upon conditions as they really existed i prior to the war.
 After war was declared, regardless of what a representative opinion was prior to that time it became the duty of each congressman to vote in accordance with the war necessities, and to support measures designed to protect America and her honor.
 Arizona's representative in these stirring scenes was Carl Hayden. He had lots of snap, energy and western activity. He is almost picturesque in | his western manner and ways. Any one seeing hi mwalk up the steps of our national capital with his quick
 stride wearing broad brimmed hat
 would pick him congressman from
 the "deep" west.
 He met each one and all of the
 questions with quick, firm decision
 and with an accuracy in judgment which after a whole years reflection
 and knowledge events would not
 cause a request for a single change ir
 a single vote.
 . First came the question of wal
 itself. Then came the question of the raising of an army and navy to sup ) port the war. Then the question ot , raising more money in less time than had ever been accomplished by . a legislative body in any country 1T : the entire history of the whole world l All of these questions must be me , and on top of them the most gruellins , kind of office work and correspond ence. Just as soon as war was de clared every one in the districts bacl home began writing and telegraphin: the representatives in congress
 Thousands of letters and telegram poured in and when one remember ) that congressman has only one sec retary it is almost a miracle to be abl - to answer or give much consideration
 to each letter on top of serving hi l part in the halls of congress. But this great big western, activ l westerner, went at 1t with the res
 of them. Working, amending and vol
 ing for hours and days. ! Some sessions would last afte midnight and back to committe work or office would come our COT F gressman again next morning b l' eight.
 Congressman Hayden was in tn
 thick of the legislative battle as
 attested by his excellent voting recor a and amendments to many importan g war measures.