Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-06
AN INQUIRY URGED
THREE RESOLUTIONS ON B. AND
o. OFFERED IN THE SENATE.

\
The Washington branch of the Baltimore
and Ohio road again occupied the senate at
Annapolis last night No less than three
sets of joint resolutions were presented
providing for an investigation OF the affairs
of the branch road and the rights of the
state therein.
The response of Attorney General Bryan
to the reiterated demand of the senate for
copy of the pleadings in the case of the
state against the Baltimore and Ohio rail-
road was presented and read, and alors,
with 1t separate letter from Mr. Bryan
to the president of the senate begging him
to assure the senators that nothing was
further from his thoughts than dlscourtesy
to so dignihed body as the senate OF Mary
land
Nevertheless, the language of the formal
reply, while entirely courteous in its terms
had ring of defiance which was unmistak-
able. 1t was received by the senate in a
somewhat grim silence. The attorney gem
erai hlmsef was present in the senate when
his letter was read. He sat in an easy hair
in the rear of the chamber, and Mr. Pick
WICK himself could not have smiled mUra
benignantly
Proposed With Rush.
The joint resolutions for the appointment
of the joint committees of Investigation
came with a rush.
Senator German. it is said. had not in
tended tC bring his in at this. time but
learning that Senator Baker was about TO
introduce resolutions for the same purpose
ne put his IN ahead. Offering them before
the regular time for the Introduction OF
orders Senator Baker had no idea that
any other resolutions of this character were
10 be offered, and Senator Perkins thought
his were to be the only one.
Mr.. Germans resolutions go much far
lher than those of the other two senators
They authorize the committee to be an
pointed 10 employ three members of the bar
VINO. IN association with the Attorney Gen
eral, are to aid the committee and institute
and conduct suits and proceedings in court
IhiS committee is empowered to sit during
recess ana must report to the legislature at
the session of 1905
Senator Bakers resolutions also nroxi5a
for sitting during recess and report to the
session of 1905. If Senator Perkins resoII-
TONS are adopted the committee will have to
of the resolutions
senator Germans resolutions provide for
joint special committee of four members
OF the senate and six members of the house
OF delegates, with the president of the SEN
ate and speaker of the house as members
ex-ohicio. to thoroughly inquire into the
states interests in the Washington branch
OF the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Conn
pany and into the policy on the part of fhe
state of selling or of retaining them.
The committee is to inquire into all the
Facts, the circumstances and conditions and
into the propriety and policy of any and all
subjects that may be referred to il by either
the senate or house of delegates and take
on behalf of the state such steps and pro-
eeedings for the protection of the rights of
the state as may seem proper
Perkins Resolution.
Senator Perkins resolution, after reciting
the ownership of the stock by the state and
the withholding of the dividends since 1896,
provides for joint committee of three
members of the senate and three members
OF the house of delegates to examine into
all matters connected with the states in
terest OF the stock of the Washington
branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Company, with full power to summon be-
tore 1t Tor any purpose all persons whose
testimony they may desire to have. all Of
'Heials of the railroad company they may
ceem necessary. the directors of the rail-
read. and to cause to be brought before
them all books, papers and documents that
may In any manner throw light upon the
subJect-matfer; and also with power to re-
Guest the attori ey general of the state to
attend all sessions of said committee the
attorney general to furnish committee legal
advice and to conduct the examination of
all witnesses and render whatever assist
anee that may be within his power The
committee Is given power to employ public
accountants and clerical and stenographic
assistants as may be necessary and to make
written report of the investigation within
thirty days from the passage of the resolu-
ton.
The Baker Resolutions.
Senator Bakers resolutions recite the fact
that it is believed that the state is being I'M
fairly treated by the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad Company. They provide for an
investigation In substantially the same way
as do those of Mr.. German and Mr. Per-
kins, the committee to consist of four MEM
bers of the senate and five members of the
house, to sit during the recess of the gem
eral assembly.
An appropriation of s25o Geo is provided for
the expenses of the committee. The said
committee is to transmit 10 the governor Its
report and findings, together with such rec
concentrations for the protection of the
states interests as il may deem proper A
transcript of the evidence taken by II and
such documents as may be proper to accom-
pany this are to be transmitted by the gov
ernor to the next session of the general
assembly.