Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1900-01-20

louI years experience 10 the Executive chair
has made him familiar with public affairs
and with the needs Of the State. His views,
therefore, are entitled to careful thought and
dellberatlon at the hands of the Senate and
the House of Delegates.
Should the occasions at any time during
the present session require it, shall exercise
my Constitutional prerogative of commu-
nicating with you for the purpose of recon-
mending the enactment OF such laws as In
my Judgment may be wise and for the pub
lie good.
The Comptroller of the Treasury has like.
Wise sent In his report 10 you concerning the
financial condition Of the State This re.
port should be carefully studied that every
member OF the General Assembly may be.
come familiar with the details, and thus be
enabled to discuss intelligently and To vote
wisely upon any bill that may affect the
revenues OF our State.
Fortunately both political parties while
In power have managed our finances wisely
and well. 1t gives me much pleasure to say
this. Nothing so closely touches the people
as taxes. There is no public question about
which they are 80 sensitive. The tax gatherer
levles his tribute, directly or indirectly upon
every man woman and childin the State. The
rich who own property, and the poor, who
farmer, the mechanic, all are compelled TO
contribute more or less toward the cost and
expense of government
Our conduct of public affairs will be very
carefully scrutinized by all the citizens of
the state. 1t behooves us, therefore, To- be
careful. IL Is incumbent upon US TO be
economical. do not mean by this, how
ever, that we should be parsimonious. In
whatever direction the public good requires
US to expend money, | shall be heartily In
favor OF an appropriation for the purpose.
The cause of public education, in my
Judgment, Is one in which the State would
be justified in exercising wise and prudent
liberality. | believe our public schools
should receive from the State Treasury
more generous allowance than has hereto
fore been granted them. II retrenchment
In other directions is necessary TO bring this
about, then let US have such retrenchment.
Nor should our many public charities be
overlooked. The poor we have with US
always. 1t is our duty TO provide for them.
Our hospitals, our asylums, and other insti
tutlons OF similar character, some founded
by the State, others receiving aid only from
the public, should have careful and needlui
attention.
Let us see to it, however, while making
prudent and ample provision Tor causes and
institutions which appeal 80 forcibly TO US
as those have specifically mentioned, that
in the exuberance OF our generosity we do
not overdo the thing. Let us have a care.
iul eye always 10 the tax rate.
Both the political parties in the late cam
paign expressed the belief that our State
taxes could be reduced without in any way
injurng the public service, and each party
promised that, II successful, it would make
an honest effort TO bring about this devoutly
wished consummation | believe such a
reduction can be made during the present
administration. Let US at least try 10 effect
it. promise to do my part.
The expenses incident TO this session of
the Legislature should be kept within mod.
crate limits. Let us have no unnecessary ap-
preparations. Let US not incur the charge
OF extravaganza in that regard. The mem.
bership OF both houses of our General As
sembly is OF an unusually high order. In
my long experience rs Senator, | can say
quite confidently, have never known the
personnel OF said membership 10 have been
excelled. The new lease OF life, therefore,
which the people have seen fl to bestow
upon the Democratic party has most
suspicious beginning. 1t encourages me not
only To hope, but to believe that We shall
merit assumed and promised by the party
in the campaign which returned that party
70 power. BY so doing we shall be enabled
TO retain the confidence of the people, and
thus hold the reins Of Government Tor many
years TO come. But should we fail to meet
the just expectations OF the people in this
regard, We shall be hurled from power as
Overwhelmingly as we were defeated ut the
polls four years ago.
The political events of the past four years
in this State prove beyond doubt that the
people rule. They make Governors and
Legislatures, and they unmake them The
system OF public instruction inaugurated 10
Maryland 30 years ago has borne an abund.
ant harvest. 1t has grown and expanded
to such an extent that the people, even the
humblest in the land, have become readers
of the newspapers, and close observers and
students OF public events. They have be.
come intelligent, critical and jealous of their
rights. Any attempt TO deceive or any der.
ELECTION OF public duty is at once detected
and exposed. 1t therefore follows that any
public official, whether he be Governor. a
member OF the Legislature, or the humblest
office holder in the State, will be held by
the people TO strict accountability, and SO
1t should be.
| realize, my fellow-ctizens, the great re-
sponsibility shall assume when presently
shall take upon myself the office Of Chief
Executive OF this State. am aware OF the
many embarrassments attendant upon the
position. can only say that shall try to
do my duty. If should be unsuccessful in
any particular, the failure should be attribu-
ted TO the head and not to the heart | love
my state. | love her people. love her
institutions. She shall have the best can
give of mind and heart. But feel can
not succeed without the aid and counsel of
all good citizens. This earnestly invoke.
With it, and with the assistance and guild
ance of Divine Providence, which pray
may ever have, know l shall not fail.
And now, Mr.. Chief Justice, am ready to
take the oath of Office.