Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-02-06

passed by the House, but died on the
senate calendar before II could reach
q vote.
COMMISSION WILL. PROTECT
POLICEMEN WHO TESTIFIED
The commissions report speaks in a
complimentary manner OF the assIs-
tance rendered IT in its Investigations
By the local Police Department. While
me oificers who were examined volun-
teered no information, they responded
promptly to questions that were nut
TO them by the investigators. The re-
port says further:
The commission has reason 10 be-
iicVe that those policemen who have
thus been compelled to testify are criti-
c!zcd In certain quarters. but we be-
ileVe mat the good citizens of the
city VIII see TO II that no jcopardv
comes to these officers for plain per
'ormance OF their duty" The names
OF the policemen who testified are not
given In the report.
In phrascology the rcport bears a
FAMILY resemblance to similar REPORTS
OF other cities. with which all social
workers are familiar. Most of the
degrees OF immortality are listed as
are also numerous quasi-immoral
agencies that are included in the gem
eral Indictment
COMMISSION REVIEWS WORK
IT HAS ACCOMPLISHED
Such portion. Of the report. addressed
10 the Mayos. as are both pertinent
ana IL for DromiscuouS reading follou..
Some months since you were nle,sci
10 cali upon the undersigned citizens
10 serve you In the matter OF inyesti
Sauon and suggestion as to the vice
conditions existing In this city.
your commission from the heginninr
r"aiiach that the task set before Il
and difficult of all social questions and
tina knowledge that failure had 40
often attended legislation In connec
ton with this Grievous matter -intcnsi-
ned our miseivtngs as TO what we
might accomplish.
The problem is quite as old as time
ana as complex as it's mutations
Volumes upon volumes have been writ
ten; thesis upon thesis and argument
upon argument have throughout all
the years engaged the attention OF
mankind. So complex and difficult of
solution has this question always been
that men have come to declare IL be-
Nond solution But such confession
does not Tighten our responsibility
nor arc we relieved from effort in our
day and generation. To confess that
we are powerlcss to handle this sub
ject is to call in question the strength
or civilization, to doubt the moral
teachings of Holy Writ. to place human
dapravity beyond reach OF Jehovah.
CANNOT TEMPORIZE
WITH PLAIN DUTY
We shall not present any lengthy
thesis on this subject, nor do we pro-
pose to discuss the matter In the an
stract. We have no desire to work
hardship anywhere We concede to
every man every right and privilege
the good order OF society vouchcs sa fe.
but We cannot afford to tcmporizc with
n plain duty.
This commission, Mr.. Mayor, is of
your creation. and we are organized in
response to your appeal. We have
employed the hest methods known for
obtaining data, upon which to base
our conclusions: and we arc to-day,
alas! laden with authentic and un-
questionable evidence clearly showing
the need of systematic and untiring
effort to minimize vice in the city OF
Richmond. We have tried to meet the
Issue squarely, with an eye single to
the publication of society and the
moral elevation of our people.
We find the laws OF the State of Vir-
gtnin in n degree comprehensive re-
Earding this matter. and perhaps on
this account the code of the city OF
Richmond is almost silent. But we sub
nit that there Is noed of something
cinc, for the cause Of morality, for
good government and tho protection
OF the people of Richmond
EXPRESSES THANKS TO
CHIEF OF POLICE
1t is just here, sir. that we wish
to thank you for tho heartiest coop
GRAFTON and an ever ready help for the
commission whenever it has called upon
you. Nor can we resist the tempta-
ton before we have made known to
you tho result OF our labors to express
our high appreciation and esteem for