The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-09-26
A MATTER OF BUSINESS.

That the welfare of the whole State
of Maryland is bound up with that of
Baltimore city is saying as trite as it is
true. The city comprises half the popu-
ton and wealth of the State, and it is the
market for the products of nearly all
the rural portion. Its taxes, too, form
an important item IN the State treasury
and should be seriously considered by
the counties, as, taken altogether, the
counties get pretty good slice of the
money paid in by the residents of the
city.
Now, Baltimore city is in pretty
tight place just at present. 1t is pros
porous in business way, but it has I'M
dertaken great improvements, which,
because they will greatly benefit Balti-
more city, viii benefit the whole State.
But the money market has slumped. and
the wise men who sit in the high seats
OF the city government are at their
wits ends to find the cash to keep these
Improvement plans going. The city
has over $4,000, 900 from the proceeds
of the Western Maryland Railroad sale,
but this was loaned out some years ago
toscertain bankers with the provision
that it must be paid back when needed
to pay off the Western MARYLAND bonds,
and it is believed that the contract so
made Is binding and that the municipali-
ty can not, without a breach of good
faith, at least, demand payment until
the time specified in the contracts.
Authority has been given for the sale
of bonds and the bonds have been beau
tifully printed, but the financiers of the
city needs their money for other pur-
poses or can make more out of it in
other ways, and the bond sales have
been slow. There are other problems
to be met, and altogether it is going to
take the incest sort of management to
keep the affair of the city going right.
Some legislation will doubtless be need
ed at the hands of the legislature next
winter, and it is necessary that in this
and in the making of appointments the
best interests of the city be consulted.
All legislation will be subject to the
approval of the Governor and all ap
pointments of police commissioners,
liquor license commissioners, police
justices and many other officials whose
duties pertain exclusively to the CITY
government must be made by him.
There are two candidates for Governor.
One Of these is an Eastern Shoreman.
who has been trained in the school of
political hostility to the city, and whose
county has shown disposition to lean
much more strongly toward Philadel-
phia than Baltimore in business affairs
He is man whose political creed has
taught him to believe in public Office as
reward for valiant henchmen, and to
pay but little regard to the interests of
the people whose servant the official
should be. The other candidate is
resident Of the city, although born and
bred a country man, and has earned for
himself splendid reputation as city
official of wisdom and integrity
who has the best interests Of the mum
icipality at heart and is thoroughly
posted on its needs. He is known as an
advocate Of the merit system, and he
holds the view that public officers are
the servants of the people and should be
selected for their especial fitness and
ability. He is also a broad-minded
man, whose early training and judicial
disposition will enable him to do what
is right and best for the entire State.
Under all circumstances, for which
should the citizen who has the welfare
of Maryland at heart cast his ballot?