The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1910-02-24

an issue in thcampe next align, and one
of the two parties, if not both, be OBJ
liged to accept it.
Oyster culture is another of the great
questions demanding attention. The
opposition to this is certain if the tide
water counties is as pronounced as ever,
but the preponderance of sentiment is
in favor of continuing the system, and
the attempt to repeal the law will prove
abortive. Unless the opponent of the
Shellfsh Commission should succeed in
forming combination by log rolling or
other measures, the amendments pro-
posed by the Commission will be adopt
ed.
What the fate of the statewide local
option bill will be is problemetical, The
advocate of the measure claims a ma
jority in the House, while Its opponents
are equally confident of an adverse ma
jority. AS matter of fact neither side
is sure of it's ground. The vote in the
Senate in the Washington county repeal
bill is not indicative of the attitude of
that body on the state bill, as two of
the senators subsequently explained
they voted for it because it was local
measure. The House committee is ex-
pected to report the bill next week.
The one sure thing is the Pure Food
Bill This measure will undoubtedly
pass, the influences back of it being too
strong to be resisted.
Senator Price brought in his reassess-
ments bill. This applies to the counties
only and is regarded by its author as one
of the most important propositions be-
fore the legislature. There has not
been general reassessment outside of
Baltimore citv in years and, as much of
the property has increased in value.
revaluatlon would result in increasing
the state revenues. Baltimore city
alone pays its fair proportion of taxes.
In some sections of the state property
owners pay more than their possessions
justify. while in others the weather.
classes escape altogether. The county
people themselves have concluded that
the time for equalization has arrived
and they are heartily in favor of re-
assessment. Baltimore would benefit
in the way of a lower tax rates, as the
assessable basis would be increased.
The Price bill is a voluminous affair
covering, as it does, 81 sheets of Senate
bill paper.
In view of the Increased demands
made upon the state. the proposed re-
assessment is timely. The financial
committees of the General Assembly
are not little concerned over the out
look. Failure to dispose Of the road
bonds may again necessItate their being
taken over by the state and this, to-
gether with other needs, will tax the
necessary resources to the Init There
is strong disposition to aid II the de-
serving institutions not directly control-
ed by the state and determination to
provide adequately for those wholly IN.
der state management. Fearful of the
Governors slashing powers, the com
mittees do not intend to give him the
last say.
1t is announced that the hearings will
end on March 10 and that then the joint
committees on Finance and Ways and
Means will prepare the omnibus and
general appropriation bills and at the
same time fix the levy. The purpose is
to pass these in time to have them re-
turned before adjournment so that if
deemed advisable the items eliminated
can be restored, Notwithstanding the
gubernatorial veto.