The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-11-27
MORGAN HEADS
DEFENSE LEAGUE
Accepts Command Of Volun-
teer Body When Promised
Support Of Members
PLAN REORGANIZAT1ON
Mayor Points Out Necessity
for Continuing Auxiliary
Police Wor,.-Mor-
gan's Talk.
PLAN REORGANIZATION

Al well-attended meeting OF cap
tains and members of the Richmond
Home Defense league, held in the
auditorium of the John Marshall
High school last night. it was de-
termined to continue the volunteer
organization until such time as EN-
Urgency for it's existence has ceased.
Captain Branch Morgan accepted
the command OF the battalion and.
In assuming the reins of his new po-
sition. addressed the league, having
respect to the conduct Of the organ
The meeting was opened by Captain
Beau-egard Lorraine, acting com
mandant of the league. who, in
turn, introduced Mayor George Aims
lie. who briefly addressed the en-
bryo policemen. The mayor de-
clared that he was in thorough SYM
pathy with the organization.
The present. he thought. IS no time
for the league TO dishand, as has
been argued by quite a few Vt the
members themselves. Those pointed
out that, with the dawn of peace and
the passing of the emergency for
which the league was formed. the
necessity for the league had ceased.
I he mayor could not sec the situation
in this light
Must Keep Up League.
The situation that now confrcnts
the city. he said is such that 1t nee
essitates the continuance of the
league in as good shape and as good
condition as it il possible for Its Of
ticers and members 10 make it. He
agreed that the original reason for
the formation of the league has
passed hut-other reasons exist that
demand that the body continue %
be at the instant call OF the city In
case of necessity or great emergency.
None of us know. he said, when the
necessity may arse when the league
will be called upon to render in
valuable aid as an adjunct OF the
police department.
The mayor commended the men
for the praiseworthy manner in
which they handled, at little or no
notice. the several peace celebra-
ton rarades and the crowd Of 1880.
zoe or more citizens who partiei-
pated in the exercises. The league.
he said demonstrated its capacity TO
perform important police work.
Answering the argumen, of those
who have questioned the necessity
of CONTINUING, the league the mayor
said that he did not think anyone
should insist on too narrow and strict
a definition of the word. necessity,
In conclusion. he hoped that every
one present would see the necessity
for and the wisdom of continuing
the league and build up an organi-
cation of which not only the men
themselves, but the entire city, would
be proud.
Captain Lorraine then introduced
Captain Morgan. mention of whose
name evoked storm of applause.
Captain Lorraine prefaced his intro
duction of Captain Morgan by de-
claring that ii was his belief that the
league Is needed more today than AT
any time since 1t was organized in an
swer to a call for volunteers issued
by Mayor Ainslie.
Captain Morgan, in assuming
charge of the meeting. requested AL
company captains and adjutants &c
take seats upon the stage. Roll call
developed that all of the eleven com
fpanies were represented but the first
and third of the First police district,
which have dishanded.
Captain Morgan first touched upon
the phase of the situation having Ia
do with the necessity or non neees-
T stty for tire continuance of tre
! league. II The league is not worth
while, he said, he wanted to get out.