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MOTIOF PICTUEE COMMISSION. 9 that would clothe the national board of censors with power, and also to consider such other ways and means as would uialie the moving pictures exhibited of the greatest possible value to our city. James Baird, C. E. Williams, C. P. Dalton. E. II. \VlUTi\KY. Committee. The above resolutions were unanimously adopted at a special meeting of the Journal Club held March 4, 1914. This morning I received a petition from Schenectady, vvliere they made this thorough examination, Avhiclt will be handed to the Ncav York Member representing that district. Now, I think that is about all I care to say, as there are two others here who have an intimate knowledge of this matter. The demand for censorship is certainly nation-wide. The business is an enor- mous business, and it is an interstate business. It seems to me, as far as our information goes, that the better class of exhibitors and manufacturers are with the moralists in feeling that the best way to accomplish the protection of morals and the protection of the business at the same time is by a national board of commissioners connected with the Bureau of Education. I thank you. Mr. EuPLEY. I can understand some reasons for connecting this particular bureau with the Bureau of Education, but you must recollect that that bureau is in the Department of the Interior. It seems to me you should not connect it with that bureau, but should connect it with the Department of the Interior. Do you think your act is properly worded? Mr. Crafts. You think it would be better to make it the Depart- ment of the Interior ? Mr. RuPLEY. Yes. Mr. Crafts. Technical amendments of that kind can easily be inserted in the bill. Mr. RuPLEY. Because the Commissioner of Education is simply the head of a bureau of that de]:)artment. Mr. Crafts. I suggest that that change be made. Mr. Abercromrie. But this is a division of the Bureau of Edu- cation. Mr. RuPLEY. But it is within the Departm.ent of the Interior. Mr. Crafts. If that Avill make il clearer that change can be made. Of course, that is what a hearing like this brings out. Mr. Treadway. Of course, this is an interstate matter, but in addition I should consider it was a moral and police matter. What is your opinion as to the rights of the Federal Government in rela- tion to the police control of local conditions? Frequently fdms are censored locally, and Avhat might pass in one community, be ac- ceptable to the authorities of one community, might not be acceptable in another community. AVhat is your idea of our Federal au- thority under those circumstances? Mr. Crafts. You can look at that from two points of view. One point of view would be that of the motion-picture men themselves, and it seems to me it would be much better for them not to be under the necessity of having a valuable piece of property go out with any uncertainty about it; that is, that it would be accepted in some com- munities and not accepted in other communities, but to have it de-