The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-01-16

be, we have no right TO give countenance 10
measures that would in the least be detrimen.
tai to the progress and prosperity ofthe State
at large.
My predecessor in Office has so recently adj
vised you of the financial and general con
dition of the State,
And made such suggestions as his long ex-
perienee and good judgment have prompted,
that it renders it quite unnecessary for me to
occupy your time by the expression Of my
views as to matters of legislation:
Except to declare that have no changes to
make in the policy laid down by myself upon
the hustngs and that l will be the advocate of
every Just measure of reform that the wisdom
of this Legislature may advise.
As time goes on, and experience affords me
more thorough knowledge than now possess,
and the wishes and requirements of the peo-
pie present themselves, it will be my duty and
pleasure to lay before you such suggestions as
in my Judgment would best serve the inter
est Of the Commonwealth.
But there are some subjects to which will
refer briefly, because public attention is al
ready awakened in regard TO them, and be-
cause a part at least ofthe responsibility must
rest upon my shoulders.
First: Let me urge upon you the import
ance of making the best possible use Of the
limited time allowed for your deliberations by
the Constitution of our State.
You have but ninety days in which to deal
with a vast number of important questions,
demanding your serious consideration.
And you cannot waste single day, with
out doing injustice TO those whose commission
you bear.
do not presume to outline these duties,
for they lie within your province rather than
mine.
| respectfully suggest that you clear away
promptly whatever there is that might inter-
fere in the slightest with active and efficient
legislation.
Give your time and labor to the people
whose servants you are.
Devolving upon you is the unusual duty of
selecting two gentlemen to represent the State
in the councils ofthe nation.
That you will choose wisely and with sin.
gle eye to the importance of the service to be
rendered, | cannot doubt.
! But it is wise that your selection should be
made promptly, fearing that delay might pos
sbly impede your progress in other direc
tons.
1t is proper that | remind you of the fact
| that certain amendments to the Constitution
were ratified by the people at the recent cleo
ton, and that you will be called upon to give
effect to some of them by appropriate egisla
ton.
How far you may deem it your duty to re-
wise the tax laws of the State, you can best
determine for yourselves; but tits clear that the
tax laws of the State need revision. Public
sentiment has been awakened on this subject.
| And the dominant political party of the
State in convention assembled, in July last,
declared itself, and thereby committed the
majority of this General Assembly, to the
enactment of a just and proper assessment
! law.
Since the last General Assessment, which
was in 1876, the wealth of the State has
largely increased with its growing population
and resources, and it is but reasonable to sup
pose that if our present system of taxation
were reformed, the burdens would be more
! Justly distributed.
And the injunction of the Constitution,
"That every person in the State ought to
contribute his proportion of the public taxes
for the support ofthe government, according
TO his actual worth in real and personal prop
erty, would be more faithfully observed.
! Pardon me for calling your attention brief
| ly to one other important subject of egisla-
ton, which may be considered by you during
| the session.
refer to the Worlds Columbian EXPOSE
ton, which is likely to be the most important
event in the history of this country during my
| administration.
The practical good that may be accom-
plished by the success of the Exposition can
scarcely be estimated at this time.
speak not of the mere sentiment that is
awakened by the thought that it is the de-
sign to celebrate an event which gave to the
world new continent, and to us, in the ful
ness of time, country and home great and
happy, beyond the dreams of those whose
eyes first looked out upon our shores.
But | rather refer now, in the practical
thought of the day; to the material ad
vantages to be derived from proper ex-
| hibit of our productions, in contrast with
those of other States and countries.
| We are citizens of great commonwealth
there is not one embraced within the borders
of this country, that can better afford to place
on exhibition the resources with which the
| Almighty has blessed her.
Not only will our sister states participate
in this celebration, but many of the most i'm
portant foreign countries will be represent
| ed
Large sums of money have already been
appropriated, and can we Of Maryland afford
to be absent when interest and patriotism
unite in demanding our presence.
! | cannot close this address without offering
my congratulations to all parties, upon secur-
ing an election system which has met with
such general approval from all sections ofthe
State; and although in the nature Of an ex-
/ pertinent and may possibly need some i'm.
established, and it only remains for this Gen
eral Assembly to improve its provisions if
| possible, and to extend the system to tie nine
| counties of the State which are now excepted.
The same condition which called for legis-
lation upon this subject, demands an improved
system of primary elections,
| 1t may be difficult to formulate system so
simple and inexpensive that it can be salts
| factorily employed; but if it is possible, some
/ ,zta oh, h, h..
blance oiunfairness can be eliminated from
our primary contests.
My fellow citizens, for myself, in becoming
the Chief Magistrate Of this State, realizing as
l do that the trust about to be committed to
me, comes charged with responsibilities and
| duties that cannot be over estimated, | shall
be guided in my official acts by an earnest
desire to preserve the honor and dignity OF
our State, and to promote the happiness and
welfare of our people.
There will be on my part most cordial
co operation with the other Departments of
| State Government, in promoting wise and
uuselfsh administration,
And in assuring fair, pure and peaceful
elections, and in enforcing rigid economy in
all branches Of public service,
In reducing taxation TO the lowest possible
point. consistent with the general progress
and development of the State at large.
Under our organic law, shall be armed
with the veto power, which shall be always
exercised with the utmost caution.
But the power to egislate is with the Gen
eral Assembly, and trust they will legislate
wisely, and as their judgment dictates will be
best for the interests of happy and conserv
alive people who love their State and its in
stitutions
And now that am ready to qualify as TIE
Chief Executive Of the State, it is my earnest
wish that at the expiration of my term of Office,
Wise and All Powerful Being, may feel that
have fairly, honestly, faithfully and consci
entiously discharged the important obIiga-
lions which am about to assume.
And with these brief remarks declare my