Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-24
DAVIS TELLS WHY HE
is OPPOSED TO sMYTH
Wants Certified Expert Accountan,
to Aid in Preparation
of Budget.
WRITES SENATOR DREwR,
Opposition to Nomination of Incum.
bent on Grounds OF Fitness for In
creased Responsibilities, and Is
Not Personal or Political.

Governor Daviss hcsitancy to reap
point w. f.. Smyth State Accountant
is due to no political or personal an
taEonlSW. and has accustomed no dead
lock between himself and the state
Auditing Committee. according to Col
onel Leroy Hodges, secretary to the
Governor. who stated yesterday that
the Governor was concerned only with
placing man in the office who could
give the State the best OF service under
the new auditing system.
The Governor Colonel Hodges stated.
will sppoint Mr.. smytn If the commit
tee insists that he do so. since his
authority is purely miI1 stcrial ami
without responsibility in the matter.
He believes Mr.. Smyth an excellent
good service under the old system. He
fears. however. that if he is reappoint-
additional help of an expert accountant
at much expense to the State.
GOVERNORS LETTER.
TO SENATOR DREwHY
The Governor was out OF town YES
,crday and could not be asked what
{ rise he would pursue. Thc follow
letter. however. addressed to Scna
-. II, p Drewry. chairman of the
ten from the files by Colonel Hodges
Yesterday. explains the Governors
Il have given the matter of the ap-
pointment OF the State Accountant
much thought am fearful that the
mittee. MIR w F. smyth Nh is no, comm
ten, to aid effectively, in the prepare
ton OF the executive budget provided
for by the last General Assembly. nor
10 do other special auditing work that
in an increasing extent will be Incl
dent To the inauguration of and the
operation in great and growing state
like Virginia OF modern accounting
system: and that if Mr.. Smyth be APP
pointed To the office or State Account
ant. the StCte will be put 10 the cN-
pcnSe Of securing upon occasion SIX illed
service that he will not be able to
render.
Il desire the appointment OF a GER
titled public accountant. a man Of ma
,urc Judgment and varied experience.
countant. RI. Mr.. Smyth will take and
pass the examinations which are held
under state authority by the Virginia
state Board Of Accountancy, from time
10 time in this city. and thus accrehit
himself certified public accountant.
shall be treasured and be more than
glad. on account of his previous tenure
OF office 10 appoint him. My objection
To Mr.. Smyth Is professional and not
personal; nor have any one TO sugGcS,
for the position unless IL is desired by
only thought is one OF economy and
efficiency in state service. and hone
in this for the cooperation OF your
committee. II this principle. however.
does not appeal TO the committee. and
ii remain rcsolutc in purpose TO APP
prove Mr.. Smyth as Well as To save
him the test Of tho examination. shall.
il il still desire that ] do so, appoint
advised by the Acknowledgement OF
Virginia that my power OF appoint
mcnt under the Virginia statute Great
ing the Office of state Accountant is
purely ministerial, and that. therefore.
nm without responsibility in the mat
ter. hnrc no other desire than that
which must obtain with one deeply
solicitous for the good of the public
service"