Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1920-03-03

SLIGHT AMENDMENT
Senator Mapp, Dry Leader, With
draws Opposition to Probe, but In
sists That it is Unnecessary.

Richmond, March 3.-Called out of
It's order by Senator G. Walter Mapp,
leader of the dry forces the House
i Joint resolution calling of a complete
| investigation of the office of Prohi-
/ bition Commissioner, was, after brief
discussion, concurred in yesterday at
ternoon by the Senate without a re-
corded vote.
/ Efforts to have the resolution
amended SO as to give the Governor
authority to appoint one member Of
he investigating committee failed by
vote Of % to IA. Senator Oliver Of
fered this amendment.
As the resolution goes back to the
House, it provides for the appoint
ment of four members of the Legisla-
ture-!two by the President Of the
Senate and an equal number by the
Speaker of the House-to serve with
he State Accountant on the commit
tee charged with the investigation.
Originally, it provided for the naming
IF three frcm the House and two from
he upper body, but Senator Mapp in
sisted that the two houses are of equal
ignity and shopd be lepEes sented
|. 1Gally Oh the committee.
Senator Mapp explained to his col
leagues that he did not lave the re-
solution brought up because he
thought there is in it particle of
merit, but he would vote for it in re-
sponse To request from Commission
er Of Prohibition j. Sidney Peters.
"Tou will note" he said. that the
resolution comes from the Committee
on Moral and Social Welfare with the
recommendation that it do not pass.
that was dcne on my motion. | be-
lieve the resolution is predicatad on
The flmest sort of excuse and IS in
tended simply to hound Dr.. Peters and
destroy the usefulness OF the depart
ment. The investigation is absolutely
useless. Auditor C. Lee Moore appear
ed before the committee and testified
/ hat the accounts OF the department
are in good shape. In the light Of all
these things the resolution flavocs
largely of persecution, but | shall vo.c
FOR it simply because the Official at
whom it has been aimed asked me
to do it,
| Senator Saxon Holt declared that
he is one member Of the Genera! As
sembly who cannot be accused of per-
scouting the head of the Prohibition
Department.
u don't approve of the office and
believe it should be abolished" hc
said. "But I do not sbelieve this in
vestigation is warranted. / hope it
will satisfy those people who are
clamoring to have it done. There is
one cOnVlCLlOu, HO"eNeI, LIlrl EdN (
and that is that the Governor should
have the appointment Of one member
OF the committee"
Senator Mapp declared he would
have to object to this suggestion.
II don't believe" he said, "that the
Governor would want to be placed in
position of being criticized, in view
! Of the fact that he has recommended
in his message that the department be
abolished. The chief executive has
never had the naming of a member of
strictly legislative investigating
committee. If the people of Virginia
haven't confidence in the General As
sembly. it is time, believe, that We
resigned and allow them to select one
in which they will have confidence
The resolution was introduced in
the House by Delegate Joyce. who had
associated with him number Of CO.
patrons. 1t provides for an immediate
investigation.