The Democratic advocate., 1906-02-10
THE LEGISLATURE.
Stirring Events in the State Capitol
Briefly Told.
Correspondence of the Democratic Advocatef

correspondence of the Democratic Advocate.f
STATE House, ANNAPOLIS, |
February Sih, 1906. !
This has been strenuous and exciting week
at the State House, and things have been
going on with rush since Monday night.
The proposed investigation of the B. 4 O..
Railroad has been the subject of greatest in
terest and promises to continue to hold the
stage up to the closing House on April End,
and probably for many months atterward,
should the work be uncompeted when the
final adjournment takes place, for the subject
is one of far.reaching importance and the
temper of both Houses is such that nothing
but a thorough investigation of the whole bus
mess will be satisfactory, and that thorough
investigation will i'll the end take place is al
most among the certainties, unless the unex-
pected should happen in the way of a railway
sidetracking by some means at present not
apparent There is strong desire to get the
affair out of the way so that II may not inter
fere too much with other matters, for there is
much legislation of importance to be consid-
cred during the remainder of the session.
The indications are very strong that the
Haman bill cannot be passed in either House,
but it is equally evident that some legislation
looking to the ultimate leasing of the depleted
oyster beds will be enacted before adjourn
L..
as well as most other questions of great public
importance, attract more attention away from
Annapolis than they do here. There are SO
many questions of personal interest to the
members when in the State House that they
are apt to lose sight OF great public questions.
Every interest is well represented here except
the general public interest, and that has to
depend on the newspapers Of the State to be
impressed on the Legislators. Private inter
ests corporation interests, county and other
small local interests are well represented by
attorneys and agents, but the general public
interest has practically 10 representative on
either of the floors or in the lobby. Toward
the end of the session there Is some effort
made, owing to pressure of public opinion 10
consider the general public IN legislation, but
then il is usually too late TO accomplish much
Of real value. Governor Warheld, however,
intends to look out for the general public, and
will later on again urge the General Assembly
to remember that they are here to look out
for public rather than private affairs. Whether
or not his advice will be heeded remains TO be
seen. but it is doubtful, for his words of FIVE
weeks ago seem to have been forgotten here
already.
Ex Speaker George Y. Everhart, Of the
House Of Delegates two years ago, who was
so severely criticised for the extravaganza OF
that session, says that the present bly, up
10 date has more names on the pay roll than
we're there tao years ago at this stage OF the
game. Dr.. Everhart Is now a clerk III the
State Trea,urers office and should know just
what the situation is, and be probably does.
Three additional resolutions, looking to The
B. 4 0. investigation, were presented IN the
House on Wednesday. All were referred 20
tie Ways and Means committee.
President Oscar G. Murray, Of the B. o.
railroad company, sent to Governor War6eld
the same day letter offering TO the Stale the
free and full privilege Of examining ali mat.
ters connected with the Washington Branch
controversy Wiki the letter was a great
mass Of detailed information, including maps,
diagrams and other papers. which will be sent
to the General Assembly for examination.
Governor Warieid's close fFiends here say
that be will not be q candidate for reneminA.
ton unless it should be evident next year that
there is a decided public demand IN his favor.
Ex Governor Brown takes a similar position
aud says that unlS=s the candidate nominated
is backed by an overwhelming public senu.
meni be bad better keep out Of the 6ght-,hAI
the people must make the nomination without
outside interference. Some people hers a..
ready see 10 Senator b lair Lee, Of MoE;gomery
county, probable candidate, while not feS
Eastern Shoremen say that President Joseph
b. Seth, Of the State senate, may enter the
race. Paul WINCHESTER