The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-02-22

denburg's amendment In q rtngins
speech in which rs deciaret- that ef-
forts were already being made to mis-
cad and create false impressions in
the minds of the people. Through
newspapers and otherwise. statements
are being made and circulated, which
were not true and which were de-
signed to bring reproach upon the
proposed prohibition law. This mao
started with an EFFORT TO bring the
commissioner provided for into dis
favor and II that disfavor should be
famed nto flame by interested In
terests by the aid Z unfriendly new--
papers this question might again be-
come a very lively one before the peo-
pie. He spoke of the iIsidious EFFORTS
already being made to prejudice the
com missioner and the law. There
was not much danger of discomfort,
except through the efforts or the
liquor people The suggestion had
already been prfSted In newspapers
that the decision to have com. ora
sioner was IL "macnln~" victory. The
liuuc. interests were INSCRIPTIONS.
They would not hesitate to employ any
methods to incite the people against
the prohibition law and against the
prohibition commissioner. When"
ne asked. had the Republicans be-
come to assinine as to lend united
strength to help the democratic ma
chine to win any triumph ?"
What paper did you see that in?"
asked "oice from, over in the north
west corner. 1t was Senator Pitcher
who made the inquiry.
"In a Harrisonburg paper" re-
Piled Mr.. Conrad, who added that the
story was sent out from Richmond
and was in line with efforts of the
liquor people to discredit the TIL and
the machinery provided for the en-
forcement of the law. He wanted the
bill left so that this might not be
matter of further discussion The
temperance people wanted fair,
square deal and nothing more. Given
this, IL the law fails. let the blame
rest upon the temperance people
Adopt Amy Methods.
without mincing his words Senator
Conrad said he believed the members
OF the Senate were honorable men,
but that the liquor interests would
adopt insidious and dishonorable
methods in trying to defeat and wreck
the prohibition law. II the commits
sioner should so far -orget his duty
or fail to discharge his duty as to
become obnoxious. the Governor could
remove him. On the other hand, III
he became obnoxious by doing his
duty and supporting the law he should
be continued. There should not be
put into the law anything that would
suggest a Lack OF confidence in the
legislation being considered and the
Senate should proceed in the honest
expectation that the Office for which
II has provided would serve its pur-
pose In giving force and effect to the
enforcement OF the law. Mr.. Conrad
quoted from the afternoon papers 10
show that Hon. w. Mcdonald Lee,
who has been talked OF for commits
sioner, had. in a statement, declared
dicating that the commissioner would
tors OF the law and that he would be
a dangerous risk for life insurance
Mr.. Wendenburg proceeded again
to argue that the commissioner
might become obnoxious to the peo-
pie ard that provision should be
made by which he could be onsted.
Senator Strobe made the point that
the Legislature had full power with
out putting any provision in the bill
to abolish both the Office and the
salary. II the ONCE was found to be
unnecessary.
Senator Walker also supported this
view
Mr.. wendsnburgs' amendment was
defeated by an overwhelming vote.
The same voice over In the northwest
corner. Mr.. Pitcher, called for a re-
corded vote, but as he stood alone In
hi demand for II. 1t was not taken.
The Senate adjourned until III
O'Clock this morning.