Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1910-05-04

! PAtativu WIS prepared ana pushed
through the purpose of it was to
provide for this special counsel: if
50, who was consulted and by
whose advice, if anybody's, the
action was taken.
Some hints have been given that
Speaker Byrd may decline to nc
cept the appointment. We hardly
see how he could do that. Such
action by him would be a distinct
reflection on Governor Mann and
condemnation of his action. The
straight way is the best way. In
this case silence is the surest
breeder of scandal. Let Governor
Mann come out frankly and fairly
with an explanation of his motives
and purposes. Then Mr.. Byrd. If
he concludes that the governor was
wrong in providing so much money
for special counsel may say so and
decline the place on the ground
that he does not think his services
will be needed to the amount pro-
vlded. On the other hand, if IL
can be shown that he is likely TO
be needed, he can accept the APP
polntment with clear conscience
and face criticism Confidently
Roanoke Times.
The above from the Roanoke
lines seemed TO be the clearest
article concerning the matter which
has appeared in the Virginia prass.
n few days later. the following
statement was given out by Mr..
Byrd at Richmond:
Shortly after the adjournment
of the Legislature / happened to
be in the Office of the Governor
upon another matter. Governor
Mann preached the subject and
stated that under the section of the
appropriation bill authorizing him
TO do so, he intended to employ me
as counsel to perform such service
for the various departments of
State and the institutions as the
Attorney General was either not
required TO perform or might not
be able to perform or as to which
he might desire assistance. These
services, however, were to be under
the direction and with the associa-
ton of the Attorney General.
L thanked the governor and
asked him TO defer the matter for
a while. On another occasion.
early in this month, / saw the
governor again. / was preparing
to leave the city and somewhat
hurriedly made an arrangement
with the governor which was. in
substance, published in the Times
Dispatch.
/ left the city the next day and |
did not return for eight or nine
days. Shortly after my return |
the matter was again taken up and |
more carefully considered. l then
agreed with the governor that / !
should not receive any salary
whatever, but that when my SER
vices were required, / should be
paid reasonable fee not to exceed
IN the aggregate the sum of 81, 900
for two years. The governor thus
carefully safeguarded the interests
of the State. The amount of the
available appropriation is $4,000
for two years and not $4,000 be-
cause the appropriation was only
made in one of the yearly budgets.
The purpose which Governor
Mann and | had in view was the
same, that is to carry out the idea
which controlled the legislature in
making the appropriation which
was to put a limit on expenditures
for counsel fees and thus save the
State money.
In 1908, $4,000 was appro- /
priated by the legislature for
special counsel fees, and of this
$4,000 was actually ex-
pended. The various institutions Il
and departments expended about
s. 900 more. II
The employment was rendered
md accepted in the spirit which
'ctuated the legislature in making
he appropriation. 1t was known
hat threats had been made to
ittack number of the tax bills.
Should the governor designate
ne To try any case, / will certainly
eel that ] can do so with propriety.
such employment would not con-