Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-21
Many Enforcement
! Agents Will Lose
Jobs in Dr. a s tic
Changes = w Orst
Conditions in New
York, New Jersey,
Marylan d, Illi-
nois, Wisconsin, 1ndi-
ana, Massachusetts,,
Pennsylvania an d
Southern States

washington. Nov. 20.-Drastic
changes in executive and field per-
sonnet OF the prohibition enforce
mcnt machine are under considera-
tlon by Commissioner Haynes and
other government officials, 1t was
learned today. In several instances,
ne plans being considered call for
practical organization of existing
forces from top to bottom.
denominations already decided
upon will result in new appoint
u,nts 10 the higher posts IN the
enforcement bureaus of seven or
,,ght states, it was indicated today.
,fncials here were not ready to an
rounce details, but 1t was learned
that the shakeup will be especially
denounced In New Jersey. Mary
lind Illinois, Wisconsin. Indiana,
Massachusetts and Pennsylvania,
and to only slightly less degree IN
louisiana and other southern states.
Designed 70 meet recent specif1c
criticism OF dry enforcement. the
,lans are declared by prohibition
oa,rials TO have been formulated
,r,or to the communication recently
made bv a federal grand jury In
New York TO the presiding judge OF
the federal court there, although
,hev include steps TO counteract the
weakness which Is alleged to have
resulted from wholesale political ap-
continents in the subordinate ranks.
While final decision on the pro-
cedure said to be contemplated py
commissioner Haynes has not yet
neen taken, an initial step was seen
in the reported selection Of Harry
sheldon. general prohibition agent
n Rhode Island. to be state director.
Mr. sheldon Is from Massachusetts
and his appointment will be the first
departure from the unwritten rule OF
me bureau that the state heads must
be residents in their jurisdiction.
Omcial inquiry into the New YORK
situation. which was condemned py
inc grand jury as shameful Is pc
ing continued, it was learned. with
the Intelligence branch OF the IN
ternal revenue bureau cooperating
with federal authorities In New
York. High treasury officials SAID
TODAY that investigation here had
been made into the mystery con-
nccted with the disappearance or a
letter requesting that action be de-
fcrrod on the resignation OF the then
>,c, yorls state director and his
chief assistant.
Tho communication was traced 10
me mail room at the treasury
where II was receipted for. but ap-
parsntlv was then forwarded TO the
prohibition bureau. The letter was
returned 10 the secretary. according
70 a report. after November l. when
inc designations became effective.
nmcial. here reiterated today. how
ever. that severance OF an fndfvi-
duars connection with a federai
orrco. Aid not preclude further ac-
Won II warranted by the inquiry now
~ progress.
Commissioner Haynes. returning
today from a personal tour OF the
New England district. declared that
hN had noted a consistent improve
mont IN conditions. especially IN
Rhode Island. Divisional Chief Ov-
rrneck submitted reports. Mr..
Haynes said which indicated mark
~ reduction In rum running over
ne Canadian border and In coseai
smuggling.