Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-04
AFFAIRS IN MARYLAND
GORMAN'S ATTACK ON B. AND o.
THE MAIN TOPIC.
sDeclal Correspondence of The Star.

BALTIMORE Nd February 3, 1906
The probable disposition of the states in
terest In the Washington branch of the Bal
rimore and Ohio railroad has dwarfe in pub
lie interest all other important matters now
before the legislature. In financial circles
here the opinion prevails that the publicity
given the matter has defeated a well-laid
plan of the Baltimore and Ohio to secure the
state stock at a low figure, one wholly in
adequate as compared with the earnings of
the Washington branch.
Political observers assert that Senator
German is playing a deep game in attacking
the Baltimore and Ohio, and his activity is
causing much comment It is stated that
Senator German Is embracing an oppor-
tunity to knock" Gov. Warfield and Attor
ney General Bryan in their revolt against
the Poe amendment The officials, it will
be remembered, favored the sale of the
states interest in the Washington branch.
and Senator German is now endeaVoring
to show that the sale of the stock at this
time at any such figure at $3.50 share could
only be made at a great loss to the state IL
the real value of Its holding today Is
taken into consideration. The senator is
also endeavoring to bring out as fact that
a mistake was made in selling the states
interest in the Chesapeake and Ohio canal
at the price which the Western Maryland
railroad paid for II.
1t is an open secret that Senator German
and the regular machine leaders will take
advantage of every opportunity presented
TO embarrass Gov. Warheld, and since the
assembling of the legislature events have
been propitious for the carrying out of the
organization plans. II now remains to be
seen whether Senator German can have
passed by the Legislature a. resolution pro-
testing against the sale of the state hold
ings I'm the Baltimore and Ohio.
Apart from the personal and political end
OF the proposition there is great differ
ence OF opinion as TO whether the state
should sell or hold it's stock in the Wash
ington branch. Some finarciers urge that
there is nothing to be gained by delaying
the sale while others hold that the prop
erty is constantly increasing In value, and
that as the state is not hard up for cash
It would be a wise policy to hold the stock
and take advantage OF any favorable devel-
opments that may come.
As to Ballot Reform.
Next in public interest is the ballot re-
form legislation now engaging the attention
OF the house There is a strong sentiment
in both parties favorable to a return to en-
blem voting but the measure which pro-
vides this feature, the Reform League bill.
does not meet with the approval of the ma
chine leaders in either party. There Is a
certain element in the democratic party
which stands opposed to the emblem. be-
lieving that II dlScourages on the part of
he should exercise In marking his ticket
Two other election bills are also before the
assembly, and are designed 10 correct some
Of the most glaring evils of tie existing
election law without changing the features
which IL is claimed promote Independent
voting. legafize~ the spring primaries and,
provide for recount where fraud has been
alleged.
1t is not expected that election fegisla-
ton will assume any definite form until the
Reform League bill is disposed OF, when the
republicans and such OF the democrats as
are really sincere in their efforts for a clean
election law agree upon a measure. Close
observers of affairs at Annapolis assert
that only by such a combination can a fair
election law be secured The law as It
stands today was drafted by the German
machine for definite purpose. which 1t ac-
compllshed In returning Senator German to
the United States Senate.
In View OF the fact that the next legis-
iature VIII again choose a United States
senator. IL is hardly likely that Senator
German viii permit any change to be made
X he can prevent Il. The law has been
tried and not found wanting-that is in
furthering the political interests of the Sage
OF Laurel. and on the statute books IL will
remain unless combination of republicans
and War1eld democrats is effected and a
bipartisan measure passed. Only In this
manner can ballot reform be secured at this
session.
Industrial Census.
A bill Will shortly be introduced in the
legislature providing for the taking OF q
census of the Industrial enterprises in
Maryland. When the officials of the federal
government took the census In 1905 all the
little Industries were omitted from the list
1t happens. however, that the little manu-
facturer Is especially numerous in Mary