Evening star., 1940-03-05

highest court of the State from
which he applies.
Effect of Rapid Turnover.
Aside from the appointment of an
outsider to this important position
in the midst of the current turmoil
over liquor, the question arises as to
the effect the turnover of one a
year, on the average. in this post,
has had upon conditions here. Some
of the assistant corporation counsels
remained at the board only a few
weeks or months, although Mr.
Welliver served continuously for
several years.
1t is possible that some of the
vacillation noted in board policies
can be traced to the lack of con-
tinuity in that post. Ordinary
standards of efficiency in public ad-
ministration would call for strong
support in this sector of the boards
organization. Board counsel en-
cages in daily battles of wits against
experienced attorneys handling mat
ters before the board. In many in
stances the entire public interest de-
pends upon the case made out by
counsel for the board. Quarters IA
miliar with the duties of this posi-
ton emphasize the great Importance
OF knowing the various sections of
the city. Until Mr.. Dent is ad-
mitted to practice here he cannot
prosecute board cases in the Police
Court. 1t has been necessary for
the corporation counsels Office to
have another assistant handle this
phase of the work.
The Commissioners are authorized
under section of the A. B. c. Act
to employ up to three additional
assistant corporation counsels to as
sist the board
Ordinarily only one attorney is
assigned to the board So far there
has been lawyer member of the
board. as in the case of its present
chairman, Thomas E. Lodge.
Do-Nothing Policy Charged.
While the present majority make
up of the board is apparently wet"
the boards policy as whole is a
reflection of "the philosophy of the
law" as envisioned by those who
nodded the statute: To make liquor
freely available. But the board and
the Commissioners bear responsible
ty for the apparent failure of the
board to initiate regulations and
policies to meet certain demands on
which public and industry opinion
coincide. In the case Of the long
pending sign and advertising regu-
lations, the responsibility rests SOLE
ly with the Commissioners.
In the case of the hours-of sale
question, where responsible industry
opinion, police and the public atti-
tude are in substantial accord,
there is presented do-nothing poll
cy by the board. This attitude is
all the more surprising upon the
realization that here is case where,
with a minimum of opposition, the
board could placate large portion
of public resentment, yet it has not
seen fit to act
Other instances can be cited where
alert administration, adequately
financed. could improve enforcement
conditions all along the line. Criti-
cism leveled against the board over
the number Of people in the busi-
ness who had prohibition law viola
ton regulations, If not police rec
ords, has not been met. Staggered
issuance Of permits, either by classes
or sections Of the city, would permit
Of closer scrutiny Of the employees as
well as the licensees themselves as,
indeed, Is required under the law.
Another Failing.
The fate Of the liquor industry
in the National Capital, not to men
ton the tremendous responsibility
to the public from the standpoint
Of public health, public safety, crime
conditions and sociological aspects
generally, at present rests upon the
shoulders Of three A. B. G. Board
members and nine other employees.