Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-04-11
WET ISSUE SPLITS
HENR|CO MEETING
Damp Plank Basis for Disagree
ment Among County
Democrats.
ELECT ROANOKE DELEGATES
Representatives to Convention
Are Uninstructed, but Hold
Liberal Views.
ELECT ROANOKE DELEGATES

Henrico County Democrats split
yesterday on the rock of prohibition,
and adjourned the convention at the
courthouse, Twenty-seoond and Main
Streets. while the wraggle over the
question of whether to express pref
erence for light wines and beer stilt
was in progress. Delegates liberal in
their views were named for the State
convention.
1t was not exactly,n wet and dry
issue. but rather one with three an
giles. The light vino and beer elc-
ment had its spokesman in Archer
Harris-w who believes modification OF
peace and happiness of the country.
He proposed the testing OF sentiment.
Want Stronger Drinks.
Henry IIotchkiss opposed the mo-
ton. While he did not discount the
desirabllity of light wines and beer,
under. certain circumstances, Mt.
Hotchkiss said that whisky IS really
what many people who advocate the
lighter beverages want. The dele
gates to Roanoke. whom tho conven-
ton had just chosen, are fully ca
pablo anyway. he thought, OF caring
for the interests of all parties. Mr.
Hotchkiss did not pretend to be dry
man, but indicated rather q '1iberal-
tendency.
Lewis q. Williams came 70 the
declaring, in effect, that this now ia
"a part of the Constitution OF the
United States and should he zeaiously
upheld by citizens OF all shades and
degrees of opinion or thirst.
Lots give it a fair trial." Mr.. VIII
l!ams pleaded. land II at any time In
the future we tire OF IT we. can re-
peal 1t. But at present let's get be-
hind the law"
Treasurer l.. II. Kemp and Clerk
Samuel p. Waddill made the point
that the convention was called only
for the purpose OF electing delegates
TO Roanoke, and, that business hav-
Ing been accomplished, the motion to
adjourn was next in order. Acting
upon this suggestion. member of
the convention did move adjournment.
The motion was carried, and l.. e.
Myers, chairman Of the County Demo
cratic Committee, declared the meet
ins adjourned.
Lenry DixnPproves Motion.
While Major John p. Leary, who
was named n delegate to Roanoke,
had nothing to say in the convention,
his Judgment was against instruc-
tions OF expressions of preference of
any kind. His idea is to await the
decision OF the Supreme Court in In
terpreting the eighteenth amendment.
and he hopes that some day, under
that decision. the dry States may 20
back to tho status quo ante, Virginia
returning again to her one quart a
month.
Liberals. however, were well pleas
ed with the selection OF delegates to
represent Henrico in the Roanoke con-
vention. They are State Senator
Julien Gum. Commemorative Attor-
ney. w. w. Beverley and w. Conway
Saunders delegates at large; John
Randolph Tucker. II. G. Beattie and
Major John p. Leary. Tuckahoe dis
trict; T. J. Todd. Brookland district;
O. G. Hedrick, Varina district, and
Washington Bottoms and Gilbert VIII
'liams, Fairfield district.
The county has seven votesIo the
State convention. one each by the
delegates II large and one from each
magisterfal district Those districts
which selected more than one dele
gate will divide the single vote up
according to the number of represent
tatives.'
Under resolution adopted yester
day. the delegates arc empowered to
put into effect the unit rule at Roa-
noke and cast the vote Of the entire
delegation.