The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-12-01

The next Legislature Of Maryland will
contain in both its branches some men Of
more than mediocre attainments and abili-
". Ex-Goy Philip Frances Thomas, and
Hon. Montgomery Blair, are members
elect Of the House, and Hon. Robert NJ.
McIane and Col. John NJ. Miller, Of the
Senate. There are other men Of ability
in both bodies, but these are the most
prominent They deserve the commenda-
ton Of the public for consenting to iorego
the comforts Of their homes for winter
residence at Annapolis for dropping their
oxn more lucrative private pursuits to at
tend to the interests Of the public. Ru-
NOR says they are actuated by an ambition
for the United States Senate. Suppose
rumor to be true, in this regard, the am
bition is laudable one, and no one has
better right to indulge ii than these gen
tlemen. The next Legislature has to elect
successor to DR.. Dennis, and either Of
them would reflect honor upon the State
by seat in the highest legislative body in
the country. They are all men not only
Of ability, but Of ripe experience in the
public service. The most eminent ability
is needed in the next Legislature, for there
are many important subjects to come be-
fore that body. One of paramount impor-
lance is that Of the adjustment of the State
finances in connection with the assessment
and revenue laws. State taxes are as
light perhaps, in this State, as they are
in any other State Of the Union, but it is
hoped that they can be made lighter upon
the increased taxable basis Of the late
assessment As part Of the general
subject Of taxation and finance the ques-
ton Of the unsettled claims Of the State
against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
and other Railroads, claim early and earn
est attention. The protracted litigation
with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
should be brought to close on terms Of
reciprocal generosity and fairness, if posi-
Bile. The State is not simply party liti-
giant, seeking its rights, real or supposed,
through the courts; it is also the sovereign,
and it is the duty of the Legislature, while
taking care Of the interests of the State,
to take care also of the interests of the
railroad. The labor riots and the eondi-
ton Of things which led to them, as well
as questions Of indemnity growing out of
them, will demand attention, also the
means necessary to the enforcement Of the
laws and the preservation Of the public
peace and order, involving reconsidera-
ton of police and military regulations aud
searching inquiry into the efficiency or
ineffcieney Of the militia organization of
the State. Vagrancy or the tramp nui-
sance must be provided against. Rigid
laws will have to be enforced upon this
subject, if the present statutes are INSULT
eient, Our reformatory institutions require
the closest scrutiny. The House of Cor
rection, just completed, will need au ap-
preparation to furnish it, aud probably
another s250,O00 will be asked for to build
another wing. The oyster navy needs
overhauling, and the inquiry into its cost
10 connection with the revenue paid into
the State treasury by the existing oyster
license system, is another important sub
ject of legislation. The State boundary
is still an open question, and the pay Of
the boundary commission will be subject
for consideration. These are leading and
pressing questions, in addition to all the
ordinary subjects Of legislation which are
likely to be pressed upon the attention of
che Legislature from all quarters of the
State Letus venture to express the hope
that the Legislature may address itself to
the consideration of all these matters with
an eye single to the best interests Of the
State.