The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1902-02-08
LETTER FROM ANNAPOLIS.
STATE HOUSE. ANNAPOLIS,
February 6. 1902.

February 8, 1902. !
Special 10 The Union
Those sanguine reformers who imagined that
a new era had set in with the opening of the
twentieth century, will doubtless be disappoint-
ed when they learn that political and legislative
affairs are going on at Annapolis in the same
old way which covered the State of Maryland
land in all probability the same holds good of
other State capitals) with such disgrace during
the last quarter OF the nineteenth century.
Untaught by the experience of such popular
disapproval as was manifested in 1885, '96, 81 1913.
80 and 1900, and to less extent last year, the
politicians in charge of affairs here are manipu-
lating matters of legislation as if nothing
characteristic of rebuke had ever been melted
out to them. The Democratic bosses who
brought such discredit on the State in former
years. and the Republican bosses, who were
guilty of the same offences at Annapolis when
their party was in power, are all ON hand again.
playing together at their old Doodle games, and
working together to corrupt legislation in order
to put money into their own pockets, regardless
of the rights of citizens generally in what may
be done in both houses. The old corporation
plugging, which was such disgraceful feature
here in years past, is going on in full force and
vigor again, and the boodlers of both parties
are here, like carrion crows ready to gather and
feed on the prey. Not one of the old disgrace
full practices of past years has been forgotten
and allowed to fall into disuse, but all in evil
dence now, as rampant as ever they were in the
old and palmy days of the ring, the power of
which, both Democrats, Republicans, and all
good citizens regardless of party, had hoped was
forever done away with, and only remained as
an unpleasant memory. Some of the old skill
and boldness may not be evident, but instead
thereof is present an almost shameless disregard
of what is right and just, and any idea that
popular and private rights are to be reflected is
almost publicly scoffed at as absurd. They are
out after 1.-THE stuff" and no means are being
left untried to get it. Corporations are being
held up and plugged with boldness and rapacity;
individual interests, which involve large sums
Of money, are being called to time, and every
effort is being put forth by the lobbyists and
their lieutenants among the members to make
all the hay possible before the legislative sun
sets the last of next month. 1t is but fair to
say that these high-handed performances are
not confined to members of one party, but are
carried on by representatives of both. Doodle
bills are pouring in on all sides and their intro
duction is made by members of both parties-in
proportion to the membership by those of one
party quite as much as by those of the other.
In the wild scramble for spols and Doodle no
party lines are drawn. Democrats and Republic
cans alike are at the front, side by side, each
one trying to Guido the other in the wretched
spectacle.
Up to and including the last week the impress
sion prevailed that this would not be a Doodle
Legislature-that matters would be considered
and settled on their merits from popular stand
point-and that the old bellringers and black
flag measures would be absent from the record.
Such an impression has now, however, disap-
peared. Not only have all the old Doodle bills
which have done service in former sessions been
introduced in the past few days, but large
number of new schemes have been presented
cunningly devised to attain the same end. and.
unless something stringent is done very soon to
stop this business, the session of 1902 will have
bad pre-eminence over all its predecessors in the
way of corporation plugging and making pratt
cal raids on the vested interests of the State.
Among the bills introduced this week were
the following by members of the county delega-
ton:
By Mr.. Rogers-To restore to the State militia
fund certain moneys Invested therefrom during
the Spanish-American war.
By Mr.. Knoebel-To provide that certain sub
urban railways shall be entitled to use the tracks
of the United Railways in Baltimore city.
for owners of dogs to permit them to chase rab-
bits. pheasants, cartridges, quail, or woodcock
during the closed season for hunting in Balti-
more county.
By Mr.. Painter-To amend charter of Refs
terstown Savings Bank so as to authorize it to
loan money on promissory notes, bonds, bills
and other evidences of indebtedness.
BY Mr.. Slade-To amend the law regarding the
malfcfoue deafruetfon of DrODarty
BY Mr.. Knoebel-An act to authorize the
County Commissioners of Baltimore county TO
reimburse Arthur w. Shanklin for money paid
for clerk hire while Treasurer and Collector OF
said county.
Leave was granted to the Committee on Cor
porations TO introduce bill entitled San Act 10
incorporate the Stadium Company Of Baltimore
county, The latter bin. IL is reported. will
permit prize fights 70 take place on the grounds
Of the proposed company.
Messrs. John Lowery. J. p. Jones. William n.
Harvey. Robert L. Hall. Henry r. Mann and
other citizens OF the county were here on Thurs
DAY 10 advocate the passage Of a bill % prohibit
clubs aud other organizations. which give pic
mics and oyster roasts, from disposing Of liquor
and beer without a license az such gatherings
within the limits Of the county. These organi-
zatl0na charge various sums. from fifty cents
up. 20 people who attend their picuics. and fur
nlsh drinks az a part OF the refreshments. This
TN Is Intended % prevent this evil.
Col Milton W. ORutt IL here looking out for
the interests Of the United Railways.
PAUL WIScHEsTKR.