The Washington times., 1902-01-05
Will Return to Congress
From Maryland.
JOHN K. COWEN is VERY ILL.
shows the Former senator to he
i'm Complete Control - Chairman
Nnndiver TO BE Reelected Trens
sire TO Amend Baltimorc's Charter.

Dut IL was not in session long. After a
few cut-and-dried preliminaries in the
way of organization an adjournment was
taken until January T.
The meeting lasted just two and a half
hours, but even that brief time was
enough TO indicate beyond a doubt that
the Democratic leaders, are again in
absolute control of the Iaw-making
machinery. The nominations dictated by
the leaders at the caucus held on the pre-
vious night, including the Hon. Noble L.
Mitchell, of Hanford county, for the
Speakership OF the House of Delegates.
were ratified without dissentient Demo-
cratic vote.
With "Neatness and Despatch
The conspicuous neatness and despatch
with which this was accomplished illus
trated in a striking manner how COM
pletely Mr.. Arthur p. German is again
the visible and recognized head of the
Maryland Democracy. 1t is true that the
Hon. Isaac Lobe Straus, a brilliant young
statesman of Baltimore, who threatens TO
become the Beaconsfield of Maryland poli-
tics, took very Independent stand in the
caucus and defied the Organization" " but
even he, in a spirit of notable party loyal-
1y, voted for the caucus nominees This
manifestation of cohesiveness is all the
more significant when we come 10 con-
slider that the Democrats have only seven
majority in the House.
Mr.. German "Knew His Business.''
1t means that when Mr. German Sc
lected. in the various committees Of the
State and in the city wards, the psmo-
business The fact that he made 10 mis-
take in arranging the legislative tickets
affords conclusive proof that he has lost
nothing of that masterful leadership which
has always distinguished nis public ca
reer.
In the State Senate the Democrats have
a majority of eight, and every member
Of that majority is for German.
This gives the Democrats a majority of
fifteen on joint ballot and will ensure
the election of the former Senator on
January II, on which day a formal vote
will be taken, as required by the State
Constitution.
What II May Menn.
There is thus afforded the certain pros
pect that one of the leading Democratic
leaders of the country, who, as many
Democrats believe, was relegated, with
out justification, to private life, six years
ago, is again to enter the arena of ma
tional politics. Furthermore there is
reason for expecting that this re-entry
Is TO be by no means an inconsequent
event, but that. on the contrary it is
likely to exercise an extended influence
on the national Democracy. Less able
and deserving men than Arthur p Cor
man have been nominated for the Presi-
dency.
Vnndiver for Treasurer.
So much for Gorman, the leader facile
princeps, of whose election there cannot
be the shadow of doubt. Next in order
will be the reelection of State Treasurer
Murray Vandiver chairman of the Dem
ocratic State Central Committee, and Mr..
Germans trusted and faithful representa-
tive. There is scarcely any more doubt
as to Mr.. Vandiver than as to Mr.. Cor
man, and herein is another proof of the
splendid 'organizati ion" of the Maryland
Democracy.
Matters OF Legislation.
AS to the acts of legislation which tee
General Assembly of Maryland will at,
tually pass, that is a matter, as usual, Of
extreme doubt Among the important
questions TO be considered during the ses-
sion are the following:
Amendments TO the Baltimore city
charter.
Amendments to the election law.
a primary election law.
A bill TO compel the Baltimore street
railway company TO sell six tickets for
quarter.
A bill to create a railroad commission
such as is in vogue in most Of the South.
ern States.
A bill to tax franchises.
bill to abolish spring elections in
Baltimore.
bill for Quadrennial instead of annual
registration, as now.
A bill to repeal the law which grants q
partial exemption from taxation to the
railroad tunnels under Baltimore.
As 10 what will be the fate of these va
rious measures no prophet can say. AS to
German" and the party organization"
the Democratic majority in the Legisla-
ture is solid. But not so as to general
legislation. For instance, while both par
ties are pledged, by their platforms, to an
honest primary law the counties are al
ready protesting that the expense is too
great Hence the fate OF this much-need-
ed reform is trembling in the balance.
To Clip Mayor Hayes Wings.
determined, not to say vicious, ef- 1
fort will probably be made to amend the |
Baltimore city charter. There is a set |
tied resolve on the part Of certain local |
leaders TO clip the wings Of Mayor Hayes |
whose prerogatiyes under the new organic. |
law are far more ample than they Were !
under the old regime. and who has seen |
proper TO be mayor in fact as well as IN 4
name.
The truth Of the matter is that the pur- /
pose OF the present charter of Baltimore /
was to secure a business administration |
instead Of a partisan management Of mu-
nicipal affairs; this purpose is being full
filled. and hence the insatiate cry for ,
"anendmonts'' by those who believe that
even in local government to the victors
belongeth spoils.'
City Council Aggricved.
The members OF the city council have
been particularly aggrieved over the pro-
vision OF the charter which has given 10
the board of estimates tof which the
mayor is the head the power to regulate
appropriations, thus reducing the pat
ronage' Of the city solons to minor dc
gree.
The school board is another point of
attack AS now constituted, that body
of only nine members. with sucn
names as former President Gilman. OF tho
Hopkins University; former Mayor Alcaeus
Hooper, and Mr.. Joseph Packard. fol aier
president OF the Reform League, in the
This board has taken the