Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1912-05-31
Career OF Former GOV. crothers.


Former Governor Austin Lane Crothers
died on Friday morning last, Of Bright's
disease. at the home of his nephew, State
Senator Omar D. Crothers, in Elkton, Md.
Mr.. Crothers had been sinking rapidly
for several weeks, part of the time being
unconscious and at other times delirious.
His physicians were with him almost con-
stantly, and he received the most devoted
attention. but nothing could stay the march
of the disease From the time his COM
plant was diagnosed as Bright's disease
his decline was swift.
For a long time Mr.. Crothers had been
sick man. Many Of his friends say that
he never really recovered from the attack
of typhoid fever which occurred soon after
he was nominated for Governor. In the
early part of his administration, however,
he showed but few effects of his illness.
He was born in 1850 near West Not
tineham, Cecil county. the son of farmer,
Alpheus Crothers.
Educated at the public schools of Cecil
county and at the West Nottingham Acad-
envy.
Studied law with his brother, Charles c.
Crothers. at Elkton and later at the Mary
land University Law School, from which he
was graduated with honors in 1890.
Served as States Attorney Of Cecil coun-
ty and in 1897 was elected State Senator
from Cecil county. During his term in the
Senate was chairman of the Finance Com
mittee and Democratic floor leader.
Succeeded to the Democratic leadership
of Cecil county on the death of his brother.
Charles C. Crothers.
Appointed in 1906 by Governor War
field associate judge of the Second judicial
circuit to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of Judge Edwin II, Brown. Made a
good judge, although the appointment was
much criticised.
Announced that he would not be can
didate for the judeeship at the following
election, not finding the duties to his liking.
Mentioned as Gubernatorial timber at the
meeting of the Bar Association in the sum-
mer of 1907.
Picked for the office by United States
Senator John Walter Smith and nominated
at the convention in Baltimore under cir
cumstances almost unprecedented.
Became i'll of typhoid fever the night he
made his speech Of acceptance and was i'll
during the campaign, having been elected
without appearing on the stump.
Secured passage of SIS. 000, 900 road loa n
at his first session Of the Legislature. under
which the system Of State roads was begun.
Broke with his party leaders because he
was too progressive to suit them, secured
the passage of the Public Utilities Act,
Direct Primary Law. Corrupt Practices Act,
Pure Food Law and other important pieces
of constructive legislation. and insisted on
the redemption of pledges in his party s
platform.
Fought legislative extravaganza and es-
tablished precedent of reducing amounts
appropriated in Omnibus Appropriation
bill
Attempted to GUST Police Board of Balti-
more because he believed it inefficient, but,
failing in this. went on with the trial and
finally acquitted the board because the
evidence did not warrant conviction.
Spent more time actually working at his
Job" of being Governor than any man who
has ever held the Office.
Entered contest for denomination, but
withdrew because he feared his candidacy
might result in the nomination of A. P
German. and threw his support to Blail
Lee. Campaigned the State for Lee.
After Lee had been defeated he cam
paigned the State for German. the party
nominee, although he was sick.
Heavy cold contracted in the course Of
the campaign developed into grip. which
afterward developed into acute Bright''
disease, and which caused his death.
Refused to call extra session of Legisla.
ture to pass laws stripping Governor Colds
borough of power. but signed bills passed
while he was still in Office designed to carry
out party pledges.
Worked at his job until the last day Of
his term and then went home to Elkton to
die.
.