The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-11-19
Members of Ordinance Com
mittee Clash Over Method
of Procedure
WILL HEAR CASE
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
City Attorney Advises That
Body Can Hear Evidence on
Which to Base Recommen-
dation. But Cannot Try We'll

After much discussion, sparring for
points and near personal encounters.
and a short address by Bishop Denny.
the Ordinance Committee Of City Coun-
ell last night flxed upon Wednesday
night. next. ~ the date for hearing
both sides OF the case OF Police Com
missioner Well
Alderman Chriatian was the only alb
sentse. He 10 out Of the city. Sena-
tor James e. Cannon. was present in
behalf of Commissioner Well, who was
also present. Attorneys George Bryan
and Murray M. MCGUIRE appeared for
the committee Of citizens who had
adopted resolutions asking Council to
request the resignation of Comm ission-
er Well. and Councilman P. p. Pitcher.
patron OF the resolution, was on hand.
Members OF the committee were not
at all united In their conception as to
the proper method OF procedure AL
derman Fuller expressed the hope that
consideration Of the resolution be con-
tinued to q later date when the whole
evening might be devoted to its con-
sideration. Councilman Ferguson
wanted to get rid OF the. matter for
once and all the time. saying he had
enough Of inquiring into the moral
character OF citizens, and wanted no
more of II.
Councilman English did not think
the committee had authority to &C
into trial or inquiry. and preferred
to have the matter go back to Coun-
ell with the recommendation that I'M
parchment proceedings be instituted
Alderman Paul thought the gentlemen
representing the Citizens Committee
should be heard as we'll as the lawyer
for Mr.. Well. Mr.. Jones believed the
in the attitude OF trial body. but 70,
the sake OF information. while Council
men Welsh and Cheatwood sat still
IN the boat. Chairman aunst agreed
with Mr. English that Impeachment,
proceedings would be more inducivs
TO fair play.
Arises to Personal Privilege.
While the question of procedure was
being discussed. and after Mr.. Jones
had expressed the belief that the com
mittee had the right to proceed with
the hearing, during the progress OF
which ne said the committee should
not attempt to dillydally and side
step. Mr.. Fuller arose to the question
of personal privilege. and Indignantly
denied that he had made any effort to
side-step or delay proceedings. and
suggested that Mr.. Jones be more cir
cumspect in his reference to members
Of the committee in his discussions.
Mr.. Jones was on his feet In a mo-
ment. and. quite as Indignantly as Mr.
Fuller. while shaking his hand in the
direction of the alderman, holly de-
MED that he had reflected upon any
individual member OF the committee.
II referred to the whole committee
OF which l am a part" shouted Mr.
Jones. Il made no personal insinu
alton or reflection. And, you. Mr.
Fuller. I have noticed, have been II
the habit Of casting reflections upor
the motives OF members of this com
mittee. particularly myself. / want t.
say that II your skin was not like ar
eggshell you would not so frequently
take exceptions to what Is said b,
other members of the committee.
II said, and repeat. that this com.
mittee has the right to seek informa
ton on this subject, and the onl,
way we can get such information Ii
by hearing the gentlemen represent
ing both sides of the question.
thinku We can proceed at once very
we'll, and secure sufficient Information