Evening star., 1922-01-27

cations probe Of the divorce evil.
will meet tomorrow.
The investigation itself Will not be
attempted. 1t was explained today.
until its subcommittee has outlined a
definite plan Of action and not until
the latter has been approved by
majority of the members of the Bar
Association. 1t therefore is con-
sidered improbable that this inquiry
will be under way before two or
three weeks. unless the subcommittee
is in a position to present a plan a,
tomorrows session which will be
approved.
Demanded BY Citizens.
Citizens generally are demanding
that this investigation get at all the
facts concerning the divorce situa-
ton. James r. Cation. acting presi-
dent OF the association. and who has
been a practicing lawyer in Alex
andria for more than forty years.
"whitewashing."
This committee is composed of
reputable members Of the bar" ex-
planned Mr.. Cation. and '.any one found
guilty of violations of the law, or
engaged in irregularities. or unethical
practice in connection with divorce
proceedings, will be punished. There
! have been insinuations that this COM
mtttee will white wash the whole
matter. but / refute this charke in
the most emphatic manner. and. as
the acting head of the association. l
take this opportunity to assure the
public that the investigation is to
be most complete, fair. and that we
do not intend to shield any one IL
the facts are such as to support the
divorce situation here.
Prominent Men ON COMMITTEES.
The members of the committee
are men Of exceptionally high charac-
ter and standing at the bar and IN
the community. besides being gentle
men of honor and honesty. Besides
I all this the members of the committee
I are lawyers who have had little II any
| divorce practice.
| 'Tt is regrettable." continued Mr.. Ca
ton. that Alexandria has received SO
much unpleasant publicity and that
the members of the legal profession
! here have been more or less con-
demned. However. 1 will refrain from
| making any further statement re-
garding the conditions until after the
investigation has been concluded. As
the head of the association, 1t would
not be right for me to express my
| opinion. as my motives on the COM
mittee may be questioned"
! A vast majority OF the residents OF
this old city. according to many in
! terviewed today, arc determined that
ditions and that those guilty of ir-
regularities or illegal acts shall be
! punished.
Characterized ~ ~Whitewash.n
| Frank Stuart. a member OF the Bar
| Association, and who Is one OF
! group Of citizens said to be active
in bringing to life what they re-
! divorce ring" Of this city. declared
today that the investigation to be
conducted by the Bar Association
will be nothing more than white
wash" for those responsible Tor the
The Ministers Association of Alex
andria, recently met to discuss the
conditions and according to the word
ing of its resolution. adopted at that
occasion, the situation was "deplored
because Of the "unenviable notoriety
given" and proposes to reserve its
| Judgment Of the conditions until after
the investigation by the Bar Associa- :
tion. 1t is evident from the wording
the city have faith in those who are
to conduct this investigation and that
they are willing to see fair play be-
fore rendering their opinion.
Mr.. Stuart said that in the event
Of 4 'whitewash," the grand jury will
| alleged evil, and bring recommends :
! tions with reference to the corpora
| ton court. which would most likely
! bring about the desired results. ac-
cording to the opinion Of Mr.. Stuart.
He explained that should the grand
| jury find the divorce conditions such
as have been alleged, the legislature.
which elects the corporation Judge.
| would be asked to recan him. MT.
Stuart stated that inasmuch as the
| Judge Of the corporation court does
the appointing of the grand jury. the
| Governor OF Virginia would be asked
| to designate another judge to call
the jury. in order, as Mr. Stuart ex-
pressed It. "that wo may hav. fair
play in obtaining unbiased jurymen."
| J. r. Y.