The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-02-15
WOULD INVESTIGATE
STATE INSTITUTIONS
Patron of Bill Believes Such hives
legations Will Save State Many
Thousands of Dollars Annu-
ally-Would Compel Bet
ter Management.
RIG MON D. VA.-Speci,

R H NJ o n d, VA.-Special.-
AS sudden as a bolt of lightning
from a serene sky a bomb was ex-
ploded in the House of Delegates to-
day by Aubrey Weave. the young
i've wire from Warren, which for half
IN hour plunged the delegates into
one OF the most heated debates Of
the term.
Mr.. Warren wants every institution
OF the State which receives money
from the public treasury subject to a
rigid investigation by a committee
composed OF three delegates and two
senator's.
No Personal Charges.
No personal charges were made by
the warren delegate, but he declared
that as a member OF the House FL
nance Committee he could say that
he believed the State would save tens
of thousands OF dollars a year II bet
ter business methods in some institu-
tions were inaugurated.
Over the protest of several mem
bers Mr.. Warren, with his character
isttc vehemence, declared that he had
special reference to the epileptic COL
ony near Lynchburg, which is asking
for 500, 900, but which, in his judg-
ment, is not properly conducted.
He would have the investigating
committee directed to report its find
ings to the Legislature of 1914.
The resolution was referred to the
Finance Committee.
Mr.. Weaver Gives Reasons.
In discussing the. resolution, Mr.
Weaver said:
Il stated distinctly this morning,
when / offered my resolution, that
made no charge of corruption or
graft. / do believe, however. that
improvements can be made in some
quarters that will save the State many
thousands Of dollars. My resolution
was not aimed solely at the Epilep-
tic Colony at Lynchburg, but was
likewise intended to include, and, did
include, those institutions that are
being supported largely by the State.
90 vt belieev that the average leg
islator can come here for the short
period of sixty days and hear only
one side Of the requests for increased
appropriations, and act intelligently
on these qeustiOns.
Il think ii good business for the
State to send its representatives on
the ground every few years. Then
we would be able to separate the
wheat from the chaff. and would bet
ter know where to increase and
where to diminish our appropriations
of the public fund.
If the demand for increased ap-
preparations continue, increased
taxes will inevitably follow. The
time to economic is now
What other institutions have you
in mind?" Mr.. Weaver was asked.
We'll, this is not the time to dis
cuss details. If the various institu-
| tions are now being wisely and
economically managed, then they need
have no fears; If they are not, then
the State and her taxpayers should
know it.
II believe that the members of our
various boards in the State are hon
est, but / know perfectly we'll that
these gentlemen, who serve without
pay, do not and cannot go into the
details Of the business MANAGEMENT.
This is the purpose and intent of my
! resolution"
Text OF the Resolution.
The resolution reads as follows:
BE 1t resolved by the House, the
Senate concurring, That a joint COM
mittee OF nve be appointed, composed
OF three from the oHuse, appointed BY
the Speaker, and two from the Senate
appointed by the president of the Sen
ate, who shall make inquiry into the
conduct and management of all instftu-
lions in this State, who are now re-
with a view OF aScertaining whether or
rot q more economical administration
Of affairs in these institutions is prac-
teal.
This committee shall meet at such
times and places during the recess of
the General Assembly as to 1t may seem
necessary, and shall have full power t.
summon and compel the attendance OF
witnesses, and the production OF such
~ecords, books and papers as may be
ecessarv to further its inquiry; IL
shall likewise report to the next Gen
eral Assembly what, II any changes are
deemed expedtent In existing laws gov
,. ning and RI guiating such institu
ions.
1,no.,-e.1 Mon Sing plroe