Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-05-09
Timely Suggestions.

Mr. Editor There is too much reform in
both of yonr correspondents from Medey's,
"Tax-Payer" and "Medley's :" not TO har
monte aud act together. Both make good
suggestions, and between them a reduction Of
county expenses can surely. be Effected. The
only difficulty appears 10 be a little political
Jealousy aud suspicion. Nov, why can we
not for the sake of the county aud for the
time being agree 10 bury the partiz,n in the
patriot. In this way the great reform Of
1850 was effected Frederick county the
leader in the movement led OF with a divided
ticket, one-haf wings and one.half Democrats
10 Montgomery the people divided the repre-
sentation, so in Washington, Alegany, Anne
Arundel and probably one or Two other coun-
ties. 10 this way the Judiciary was reform
ed, and limit put upon the power of the Leg
isature over State credit, together with sew
eral minor reforms No great reform was
ever brought about without somebody con-
senling 10 given something. The something
COW ~ he given up is more imaginary than
real The Presidential and Congressional
elections are fortunately too far off 10 be az
fected by aey movement in the interest of re-
form which we may at present make, aud as
for the election OF Governor the politicians
have announced that question as settled so
that we need not be disturbed on that question
now.
"Medey's'' suggests Local Option, an en-
largement Of The power of Magistrates, and
restoration Of the mortgage tax-al excellent
suggestions in which Taxpayer" would,
doubtless, unite. "Tax-Palern thinks our
mode of nominations is vicious, and that we
need better men 10 give us the needed Legisla-
ton Ny own opinion is that the fault is
with ourselves. We forget that we are sover-
eigns, and that the first quality OF good SOW
ereign is eternal vigilance. See TO il that you
have good men and that they diligently and
faithfully execute your will, But before You
complain or censure your agents or representa-
tlves. be careful 10 let them know what your
will is. Now agree with "Tax-Payor' that
our present mode Of making nominations is
suhjecl to many abuses, and has around il no
adequate safeguard, but as that is 10 the hands
of Others more potent than myselt will leave
its continuance or modification with those
now responsible for lis proper management.
"Tax- Payer" hs said truly that legislation
is necessary for some of the reform we need.
| agree with him, and as he has not partcu-
| larry indicated. what those reforms are ! will
take the liberty, by way Of drawing out sug.
g'stions from Others, 10 name some of the re-
forms think might advaptageously be
| adopted.
First and foremost t.; would repeal that
| prince OF iniqulty, fraud and corruption, the
| 81, 600 600 bounty bill of 1868. Still -four
teen years after the war has closed paying
bouniies 10 soldiers or their agents, who en-
listed in the Union army Of 1861 to 4, and
still like horse-leech drawing blood from
| the body-polidc, $40, 900 in 1868
! Secondly, would take iniliatory steps to
reform the Judiciary as heretofore indicated
by me-
Thirdly, would institute enquiry to ascer-
| tain whether The two new S30 Offices Gre
atea at the last session, viz Tax Commits
sioner aud Insurance Commissioners, were mere
siuecures, MS has been alleged, or Offices of
any value 10 The State
The above are all State reforms Comin1
to our county, | would suggest:
First The experiment as to whether three
Counts Commissioners, as in Washington and
Baltimore counties could not Serve us Just as
well as five, and wonld transfer 10 this board
the present advisory board OF Trustees of the
Poor.
Second. If gentlemen cannot be found TO
serve the School Board without compensation,
| would transfer the duties of that board to
the Orphans Court, and with small addi-
ton TO his salary make the Register Of Wills
Treasurer Of the board. This, think is the
plan adopted in Prince George and perhaps,
other counties of the $ ate Some 81 800 is
sliced of OF The present county levy before il
reaches the schools-other economies and eff
hcieney am sure could be introduced into
this branch OF The public service
Third. Above IS, 600 Of the SIG 500 levied
last year for county roads was for payment to
examiners, surveyor, chain carriers und dam
ages for examining aud opening Of new
roads. avn convinced that "A large amount
OF this sum might be- saved
Fourth. The county court expenses are very
large and return but little corresponding value
TO the people, Snrely at a time of distress aud
depression like the present some of these sx-
expenses could be Topped Off cannot think
that the Honorable Court will withhold its
cooperation to this end. The present mode
OF collecting the county taxes is also very ex-
pensive and unsatisfactory.
Out ofall these questions, and doubtless others
which may be suggested, if the approaching
Iax'Payers Convention comes together in the
right spirit, intent only, rs ! believe IL will
De- on relief 10 the taxpayers aud through
them upon every other class of the commn-
nifty, much good ought aud will be accom-
plished. AID.