The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1906-01-18
OPPORTUNITY MISSED BY
REPUBLICAN, LEGISLATORS
BY MOI Dissenting To An Adjournment
Ct the Body Last Week.
SOME TRAITORS ARE IN THE CAMP
Which Was Shown In the Vote for
State Treasurer When Five or Pos
sibly Six Voted for the Democratic
Caucus Nominee, Tlr. Vandiver.

STATE House, ANNAPOLIS, Jan. II,
1906. The Senate and House of Dele
gates met last night and held a short
session, the first since last Wednes-
day, and then adjourned until noon to-
day. 1t is believed that both houses
will now get down to work in earnest,
not adjourning again until Friday any
way.
1t is generally admitted that the Re
pubicans missed great opportunity
when they allowed the adjournment last
Wednesday without dissenting vote.
The Republican senators particularly
are earnest in their effort to make a
record during this session for retrench-
ment and reform which can be used
with effect in the next campaign. They
have voted under the leadership of SEN
ator Blair Lee, Of Montgomery county,
one of the strongest men apparently in
the body, and the most outspoken in
his attitude, so far, but not dissent
ing vote was registered against a motion
which costs the State $40, 200, for which
it receives not one thing. Every legis-
lative day, whether there are sessions
or not, cost about $1,000, for salaries
go on Independent of the fact that for
five days the Senator and Representa-
tives have done nothing to earn them
Criticism is particularly leveled at the
members of the Lower House for the
House cannot adjourn over that number
Of days without the concurrence of the
Senate.
In the election last Wednesday, which
made Mr. Murray Vandiver Treasurer
of Maryland for the fourth time, some
five or six Republican votes were cast
for the Democratic candidate. AS to
just who the men were who bolted the
Republican caucus nominee, MIR. Robert
Shriver of Allegany county, no one
seems definitely to know-the ballot
having been, of course, a secret one
but the matter has stirred up a great
deal of indignation in some quarters,
and comment in almost all quarters.
Chairman John B. Hanna of the Re
publican State Central Committee,
viewed the mishap in a very serious
light, voicing his indignation at the
traitors and his concern for the effect
upon his party but other and older hands
at dirty business Of politics took it less
seriously. They felt confident that had
Mr.. Shriver stood in any position to win,
no Republican would have voted for the
Democratic candidate, but knowing
that Vandiver would have at least nine
or ten votes more than majority, they
are surprised that so few of the Repub-
licans showed their personal friendship
for him in this way. Such action on
the part Of Republicans is very decid-
ed slap in the face for the Democratic
mugwumps who have been fighting Van
diver and was so intended. Republicans
and Democrats alike and of all factions
admit the Treasurer's fitness for the
office and that on his record he is en-
titled to reelection.
Generalinterest is focused on Speaker
Benson to see whether he will size up
to the claim made for him by the best
element among those that contributed
to his election, or whether he will be
black as his enemies predicted. His