The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-06-03

chairman. the board of directors OF
the association desire your aid in any
direction that II may he possible for
sot to serve In this investigations, we,
however, hope that you may accept the
Invitation to become a member of the
committee.
with assurances OF great respect. I
beg to remain,
Yours very truly.
ROBERT LECKY. 1R.,
President.
Enters strong Denial.
Prompt and emphatic denial was en-
tered yesterday by Rev. James Buch.
Rnan, superintendent OF the Associated
Charities, to certain charges brought
against him by Former inmates of the
institution. AT the same time Presi-
dent Robert Lecky Ir,, issued call
for an Immediate investigation, and his
action was approved both by Mr. Buch-
nnan and by the Board of the Chart
ties. which held special meeting yes
ferGay afternoon. Among the friends
of the superintendent the belief has
been expressed that the charges were
fomented by certain well meaning
persons antagontstic TO the principles
of organized charity, for which Mr..
Buchanan has worked since he has
been In Richmond, and of which the
institution OF which he Is the executive
officer has been the chief exponent.
It has been known to many people
that the matter has been fomenting
for some time. In fact. Mr.. Buchanan
admitted that he had from time to time
heard vague street rumors of various
charges that were to be brought
against him, and he welcomed
the opportunity of a public hearing,
expressing the fullest confidence in
full vindicatior. 1t does not as yet
seem to have been definitely ascer-
tained who went about and secured the
Various aiiidavits.
Came to Hcnd mt Conference.
The papers which have been sworn
to before notaries public are all III
one handwriting, though signed by
wavering and illiterate signatures. 1t is
known that the matter came to ahead
at q conference held at the home OF
Mrs. Landon II. Mason, at which there
were present among others, Rev. j. 7.
Mastin, secretary of the state Board
of Charities and Corrections: Mrs
Mason. Samuel Parrish, Reginald
Walker. j. H. Goddin, w. T. Saunders,
j. W. Gibbons and a. NJ. Lochwitzky.
The latter was at one time in the
employment OF the Associated Chari-
ties, and has been candidate lor
the position of probation officer Tor
the Juvenile Protective Association.
That organization of which Colonel
Joseph L. Willard is president, has
never reached the stage at which II
could assume the cost of permanent
executive officer, and up to this time
Mr.. Buchanan has been acting as pro-
baton officer in addition to his other
duties. without pay. Mr.. Buchanan
and his wife were tho founders of the
Industrial Home for Girls in Chester
field county, of which Mrs. Buchanan
is now the superintendent. but the
minister stated yesterday that he had
received no pay from that position be-
ing entirely dependent on his salary
as superintendent of the Associated
Charities.
From other sources it is learned that
there has been friction between the
Associated Charities and some mis-
sion enterprises operated in the same
neiEhborhood under semi-church con-
troll.
Mr.. Buchanan has made the rule. in
these prosperous times, when work Is
abundant for day laborcrs, to give q
nights lodging and breakfast to
every applicant, however unworthy
After the first night, however, he re-
uuires able bodied men TO make an
effort TO secure employment, and 10
pay minimum scale of board from
the first weeks wages. Neighborins
missions have attempted to turn over
to the Associated Charities en- masse
their converts" and Insist that they
be kept for indefinite periods
AS to Lane Girl.
AS for the sworn statement OF the
girl, st. Ursula Lane, whose deposition
was the most damaging of those filed
by former inmates, Mr.. Buchanan says
that the full history of her case is
on file in his office, and is open to
lnspection of any authorized person.
She had once been under the care or
the Christ Church Association. ana
employment had been found for her
time and again. Her own statement
admits that on one occasion she swal-
lowed what she believed to be car
bolic acid In an attempt to commit
suicide. Mr.. Buchanan emphatlcally
denied all of her charges Of improper
approaches, and says that for years
he has avoided even tho slightest crit-
icism by REFUSING TO talk to such wo-
men alons. ayd Keeping in his employ
ment a capable woman of experience
Mrs. Wren, who has made 1t her spe-
cial province to investigate such cases.
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