The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1910-02-17
THE LEGISLATURE IS
NOT DOING MUCH
No Important Bill Has Yet Been
Reported.

Importance, mostly less, and of these
fewer than % have been enacted into
laws. Not one measure, however, in
which the public at large is interested
has as yet come out of committee
Some of these committees, notably the
Judiciary and Corporations, are already
loaded down with all sorts of PROPOSE
tons. not few of which will not see
the light of day until the session nears
close, and then they will be accom-
panied by an unfavorable report. Hear
ings have been granted for and against
some, but there appears to be no midi
cation of desire to push any of them
along.
Within one week two-thirds of the
session will have passed, and unless
something is done to expedite business
all of the work will be crowded into the
last four weeks of the session. While
this is not an unusual proceeding, it
should not be followed this time mas
much as there is more, much more, i'm
portant legislation under consideration
than has been offered in many years.
Business propositions, political reforms
and amendments to the Constitution of
paramount Importance must be disposed
of if the General Assembly hopes to
satisfy the people. If, after careful
consideration, the committees feel con-
WINGED that the bills should or should
not be passed action should be taken
and the measure disposed of, but no
more than a reasonable time is required
to reach decision.
1t is a favorite method of opponents
legislation in which they are interested
to prevent action by demanding more
hearings, and frequently the commit
tees in charge, hard pressed on either
side or for reasons best known to them
selves, play into the DIRECTORS hands.
( There are now important bills that are
being held back which could readily be
disposed of and the passage of which is
endangered by reason of delay.
Not single bill of importance has
reached either House or Senate, nor
has there been any discussion of passing
interest The Senate is not, as a rule,
in session more than half an hour. nor
does the business in the House require
more than one hours time. The legis-
lature convenes at noon and by 3 o'clock
the State House is practically deserted
Three fourths of the Baltimore con-
tingent hurry off to the train immedi-
ately after adjournment instead of re-
manning to consider bills of local inter
est. Not half a dozen committees
night.
If it were not that legislation abso-
lutelv essential to an Improvement in
business and political conditions was
imperiled no harm would be done. as
the bulk of the bills might as well be
thrown aside. Unfortunely for the
people these measures receive as much
attention as the good ones when time is
pressing.
Probably the most important matter
with which the legislature has to deal
is the financial problem. Some scheme
must be devised to make both ends
meet. If political parties would treat
this proposition as does a merchant his
business there would be no difficulty
Unfortunately, however, the politician
believes it more advisable to disregard
the necessities of the people than to
add a penny to the state tax rate. He
does not believe in cutting off useless
offices created to make places for fav-
orite workers, but he does not hesitate
to deprive an institution, which accom-
plishes much good, of the aid it requires
to continue its benefcent work.
There are at least a half dozen bu-
reaus costing the state thousands of
dollars which might well be dispensed
with, and the money they now receive
directed to charitable and educational
institutions. If any of these useless
appendages have been conducive of
good or added to the revenuesssso f the
state, their reports don't show it. In
asmuch, however, as it is the political
policy to continue these, some provision
should also be made for the necessary
appendages, nor would the taxpayers
object to the imposition of an extra
cent or two if they know they are get
ting returns.
Two years ago the legislature fixed
the tax rate at such a figure that there
was not enough to meet the expendi-
lures. Apprehending a shortage in
view of the additional demands that
have since been made upon the treasury
the Governor cut down many appropri-
atoms for deserving institutions, a
number of them not receiving more
than one-half what they required. AS