The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-02-07
WANTS PROBE AT
SOLDIERS HOME
Toncy Offers Resolution to In
vestigate Conditions and Re-
port at This Session.
RICHMOND MEN DEFEND IT
Myers and Montague Assert That
They Have Never Heard
Any Complaints.

Investigation of Lee Camp Soldiers
Homo by joint committee of the
General Assembly was proposed In
joint resolution offered In the House
OF Delegates yesterday by Delegate D.
Il. Toney. of Richmond. After some de-
bate 1t was passed by until to-day.
When IL VIII como up In the House as
unfinished business. Immediately after
tho House convened. MIR. Toney Of
Tered resolution, providing for APP
polntment OF special committee OF
i ih from the House and three from
Ut Lee Camp Soldiers Home, inoiilre
INTO the food furnished, the. disbursc-
nents and the conditions generally,
ana report back during this session
Mr.. Toney said he knew little of tho
home. but that it's report showed TINT
1t had expended $13,0S3 last year
INCOME o ON OF its total annual
servation about the institution. he was
not satisfied that this State money had
group of ancient frame buildings did
not appear to him to have received any
very extensive repairs such IA were
INDICATED hns by the expenditures. He had
neard that there were complaints as
to the quality of tho food furnished.
and while he know little of tho facts
who pay for the institution should be
assured that the old soldiers are re-
c9iving a nourishing, and plentiful sup
ply OIL well prepared, If plain, food
Myers Heard No Complaint.
;, Delegate Myers. of Richmond. said
that tho resolution was uncalled for
He lived In Richmond. and had heard
no complaint Of Acknowledgement OF the
home, and did not like to SEQ n cloud
east on so worthy an institution on
SO slight basis.
MI: Toney's aid. He had received three
letters. he said, from trustworthy
sources. making; complaints as 10 the
TO offer resolution similar to that
offered by Mr. Toney.
several members spoke In defense
of the institution and urged that the
resolution be referred to committee
which might make some preliminary
inquiry. and determine whether there
was any basis for formal investiga-
ton. Tho House erfused to refer the
resolution by vote Of 80 to 46.
The House was thrown into some
this vote, Speaker Cox found it neces-
sary to warn enthusiastic members
that the question was one of serious
import. and that members must not
vote both ways. His remark had ref
erence to several inattentive members
who had perfunctorily voted to refer,
was on. had jumped TO their feet to
vote against reference.
Small Time Excitement.
This Is Il fine Illustration" said Mr..
Montague, of Richmond. "of how this
house gets excited on small notice. 1
live almost In n stones throw OF this
institution. and know many OF It's In
mates. and have heard no complaint
not word. The State has had the
services OF n highly competent board
in charge of this home. 1t may be
true that two or three old men have
complained of the food. l myself serve
on the board OF an old folks home in
this city, and l know that, however
worthy those people are, there are
cases whom no human being can sat
isfy."
Wasn't there an Investigation about
ten years ago?" asked Mr.. Weaver.
"Wero not conditions found rather un-
savory, and were not some of the Off
Gals removcd?"
Il do not recall" said Mr. Montague.
I'VE should send this matter 10 n com :
mittee to find out If there is any real
need for such an investigation"
Mr.. Clement. OF Pittsylvania. moved
to pass by until to-day. which. after
discussion. was adopted by vote of
desire TO make personal inquiries about
the institution and its work before
voting for or against any resolution Tor
| investigation.