Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1911-12-08
q will likely deal with the General Elec-

| the repeal OF the law and also OF passing
a general election law which would elimi-
nate party designations and make the
ballot the same all over the State, being
at the same time an educational test
Questions affecting the agricultural in
terests of the State, which should be en-
couraged and promoted, will also be touched
upon in the message. What is most inn
portant to this element of our State will
be the suggestion that an additional bond
issue to bear the cost of completing the
States system of good roads be authorized.
There should be no delay This work should
60 on.
1T will also be suggested that special
appropriations be made from this fund for
use in Baltimore city and Southern Mary
land Baltimore city because it is such a
heavy taxpayer to the State and Southern
Maryland because of the lack of railroad
facilities and the great advance in the
valuation of property which will come with
the opening of that territory"
The Governor then turned to the problem
which, after the roads. has occupied the
greatest amount of his time and to which
he has given the most studious investga-
ton.
in order" he said, ITO meet the heavy
demands made upon the State Treasury
for State care of the insane, for the tuberc-
ulosis hospital and for the other charitable
institutions which the State helps to sup
port and which are annually growing to
be greater financial responsibility, shall
recommend the most rigid economy in the
public expenditures the reduction of the
number of officials and the consolidation
of various State departments looking to the
promotion of this purpose"
When asked exactly what he meant to
do he gave his plans in detail, as they will
be explained in his message.
II shall suggest, he said 1.-THE reduction
of the legislative expenses by at least
$4,000; the saving from $4,000 to
$4,000 by the reduction of the force of
officials in the various departments of the
State government.
THE message will propose that the State
Automobile Commissioners Office be con-
solidated with the Good Roads Commission,
just as is done in Massachusetts and other
States
Also the consolidation of the Immigra-
ton Bureau with the Bureau of Statistics
and Information or with the Maryland Az
ricultural College,
Likewise the consolidation of the LIQUOR
License Commissioners with the Police
Commissioners and the reduction of the
number of Police Commissioners from three
to one, with other changes which could be
effected in reorganization of that depart
ment.
Abolish the police examiners and place
their duties in the hands of the Police
Commissioner.
Reduce the number of cOroners wherever
it is practicable.
Retired police officers should be as
signed, whenever possible to do the cleri-
cal work of the department which now re-
quires the time of other members fit for
active service.
Abolish the Live Stock Sanitation
Board and place its duties in the hands of
the State Veterinarian.
Consolidate the State Tax Commission
er's Office with that of the State Comp
troller.
Reduce the oyster police force and the
expenses of this service.
Reduction, whenever possible, of ex-
pense for counsel for various boards of the
State government
THE Offices of the Fish Commissioners
for both Eastern and Western Shores should
be abolished and the duties given to either
the Shellfish Commission OF the Oyster
Navy.
"All of these suggestions" said the Gov
ernor as he finished the rendition of this
list from memory. will not be made be-
cause Of any neglect of duty by any of
the present officers, but in accord with the
present policy of the State, which must be
followed to provide means of meeting the
increasing expenditures for improvements
demanded and needed by the people.
Il shall also suggest a reduction in the
boards which are trustees of the various
State institutions and the consideration
of the question as to whether it would not
be wise to eliminate all boards except one
central. paid, nonpartisan board to consist
Of three members each from the two polit-
ical parties, which would have control Of
all State institutions and have under their
direction department for making bulk
purchases for all.
in this connection also | shall recon-
mend the repeal of all special and privi-
legged appropriations is those made
upon old statutes and which must be paid
each year by the State. These are usually
made to charitable institutions.
IAN of the suggestions which have
made upon the problem of economy are
based upon the proposition of not allow
ing the fixed charges of the State to grow
to such proportions that they will be a
burden upon the taxpayer and preclude
the plans of getting needed improvements
This same policy will, in the message
be stronslyNureed upon the county and
city governments Of the State as well as
the central State government itself. The
State holds over the counties and cities
the eeis of its protection and its power OF
| lapislation II Is nv INDIGNANT that mi
form laws affecting counties and cities
can be passed which will assist each local
government in the problem of economy.
Il shall recommend the repeal of the
law providing for discount of all State
city and county taxes. Likewise | shall
urge that bill be passed requiring that
interest be paid by banks upon county de-
posits; also that all State deposits be made
| uDon bids offered nv resnnnaihle hanks