Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-01-21
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT Is ADOPTED
Radical Leader Thomas Puts Through
a Resolution Which Becomes Part
of Observation-Disclosures Brings
Forth Debate From Opposing Sides
Officers for Ensuing Year Elected.

RICHMOND, VA. Jan. 20.-When
this mornings session of the Anti
saloon League was half over II was
decided to take vote of the con-
ventioa On the report of the commit
tee on legislation.
This paper was accordingly submit
ted to the house in sections by Rev.
Dr.. James Cannon. Jr., a vote be-
ing called for on each clause.
The report was in this manner
accepted in its entirety, and without
that amount of opposition which had
been predicted ana expected.
Almost as important as the adop-
ton OF the legislative report was the
adoption of resolution put before
the convention by Ex-senator A. +.
Thomas. of Lynchburg. This resolu-
ton was enrolled as part of the
repor.. and, with its amendment, read
as follows:
Resolved. That it is the sense OF
this convention, in the event that
the general assembly enact a law
submitting the liquor question to the
voters. that the Anti-Saioon League
should take steps to call such cleo
ton at the earliest practicable time
during the present year-unless some
new developments should render il in
advisable"
Would Add Distrust.
Debate on this amendment, which
was intended to force Statewide
election at the earliest practicable
moment-the sooner the better, ac-
cording to its supporters-was warm.
Rev. +. T. -Dadmun objected TO its
adoption on the ground that il tended
to create the impression that the con-
vention lacked confidence in the
motives of its executive committee,
in whose hands, under the resolution
OF the legislative committee already
adopted, the question as 10 the proper
time for calling an election now rests.
He said that numerous rumors and
false charges had been circulated by
the press relative to the action of
the Anti-Saloon League during the
Democratic primary Of last summer.
and that the passage OF this amend
ment would add to the distrust Great
ed by these charges.
At this point it was moved ard
seconded that the amendment go over
until the afternoon session. After
debate this motion was defeated. and
Senator Thomas took the platform to
speak in advocacy of his amendment.
In a forceful and convincing manner
Senator Thomas defended the amend
ment. denying that ne intended any
reflection upon the executive commit
tee. but asserting with equal force
that the convention had the right to
advise that committee as to the time
for calling an election.
Prohibition Losing Force
The cause OF prohibition is not as
strong as it was twelve months ago.
said MIR. Thomas, in advocating
prompt action. Delay has weakened
MS. and another delay Of twelve
months may put us at the mercy OF
the whiskey forces. The time to act
Is now and the executive committee
should be so instructed"
At the conclusion Of Mr. Thomas
address,. Or. Cannon was recognized.
Dr. Cannon stated that in view OF
The words unless circumstances
should arise to make II inadvisabie.
which had been added to the amend
mcnt since its introduction yester-
cay. he saw no reason why IL should
not be adopted. Your committee
wishes 20 know what are your wishes
on the question: he said
Dr. Dadmun then took the floor and
withdrew his opposition 20 the amend
ment. but expressed his regret that
IL hal ever been offered.
After further debate the amend
ment was adopted.
oHicers Elected.
The following c'icers were elected
for the coming year:
President. Rev. Henry PesrSe A.
kins. Richmond.
vicc-prs sidenis: Chanceller W. W.
Smith Ivnchburg. p V. y. Conway.
Frewerictsbarg; Covernor-siect W
". Mann: Rev. j. p. Ellis. Eikion.
Rev. ". {. Campbell. Roanoke. Rev.
q. 8 Rowers. Winchester. Prof J.
T Henderson. Bristol. A. T. Lincoln.
Marion: G. W. Hauxhvry. Falls
Church: 4. =. Thomas. f.vuchbarE.
Secretary. J. ID. NsAySter, Rieh-
rcnd
treasurer : p Jones.