The Arizona copper camp., 1919-03-08

ments on behalf of the State of Ari-
zona with the United States govern
ment, or any department of the same
in any manner affecting the public
highways of the state
/ Respecting the Engineer it says:
s(m) Enter into agreements prop.
erly approved by the Commission in
behalf of the State of Arizona with
the Federal Government or any de-
partment thereof, in any manner af-
fecting the highways of the State
"The State Highway Engineer is
made the. chief executive officer of
the State Highway Department (see
Section IA of Act). The Governor
is not a member of The Commission
That Commission is clothed with pow
ers and duties:
That relate to determining and car
rying out the general policy of. the
State Highway Department and con
trolling it's financial affairs
eff any power remains undisposed of
by express delegation in Section II Of
the Act, I am unable to discern what
power is not therein vested in the
Commission. It's powers are expressed
to be to locate, establish, and con-
struct; to let contracts; to determine
what roads shall be State Highways;
to make agreements with counties in
behalf of the State; to formulate rules
and regulations gov verning the use by
the public of State highways; other
specially mentioned powers; finally:
TO exercise such other powers and
duties as may be necessary to give full
force and effect to the foregoing pro-
visions
The Governor, then in his message,
discusses the proposal to permit the
State Highway Engineer to take pri-
vate property for public use and points
out in that connection a violation of
Section II of Article of the Consti-
tuition and further the right of the
Legislature to delegate it's powers of
legislation. He points out that the
power of the Legislature over its laws
cease when it adjourns sine die and
that they have no power to act through
a committee after adjournment
The Governor concluded his message
as follows:
81 have made no effort to discuss
the minor demerits of the laws as they
appeal to me, feeling that a poor law
well administered is better than a good
law poorly administered, and confin-
ing myself to the constitutional inhibi-
tions and the attempt to destroy the
authority heretofore placed in the gov
ernor, without granting any relief from
his responsibilities to the electors.
eff it is deemed expedient to shear
the Governor of his prerogatives in
connection with the Highway Depart
ment, then it would be sound judgment
and good business policy to complete
the process, divest him cf all appoin-
tive and regulatory power and leave
him in a position of mere titular head
of the State government signer of
pay checks, issuer of proclanations
and the official representative of the
commonwealth at social functions.
Such seems to be the inclination Of the
legislative department
"Whatever may be the result of my
disapproval of this measure, have no
cause to fear or feel ashamed. Were
I to yield to present pressure and for
the sake of expediency Or temporary
respite from political annoyance, sell
my birthright of manhood and official
integrity for mess of pottage, then
would l have reason to feel that | had
been recreant to sacred trust There
is a power that makes and unmakeG
legislatures ana to it ] can and will
submit my cause, confident that the
people, if called upon third time:
will place a seal Of approval upon my
conduct of their affairs"