Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1912-01-05

is in his power, either for or against, tc
secure or prevent the passage of leeisla-
ton, good or bad, as the case may be
Therefore. early in my incumbency re-
allied that the Governor, while he may
do little or much, can do nothing without
the support and confidence of the Legisla-
ture and especially the dominant party in
that body.
First of all. then, it was necessary that
if anything be done the party be kept
united so that measures designed for the
welfare of our people be enacted into laws
and put on the statute books. This was
not always an easy task.
Il recognized that in this problem of
party unity was the difficult question of
party patronage, and while did not be-
lieve as fully in its efficacy and effect
upon legislation as some of my party this
made no particular difference. This Ques-
ton had to be solved--to secure as best
could appointees who would be faithful to
the discharge of their duty to the public
and at the same time prevent party d.
vision, which would seriously hazard the
passage of important party measures. And
this last was essentially the real purpose
involved
Aside from other considerations which
have affected the passage of the measures
which have become part of this admin
istration | was convinced of one thing.
That was that if the people wanted law
passed it would come pretty near passing
and that if not passed at one time it was
bound to be passed at another. There is
no denying the people anything they want.
ut used to be that most persons thought
there was great deal of mystery about
politics. The public thought the channel
from the ballot box to the statute book
was distance clothed in secrecy; they
thought that political manipulation was
always successful if done properly.
But my experience has taught Inc that
if the public actually wants a measure
passed it will be passed and that before
this tremendous power the mere manipu-
ton of politics could not long stand
Every effort was made to gain wider
publicity, to interest the people in the af-
fairs of their own government and to en-
courage them to possess greater infOrma-
ton upon State problems. The result of
this has been that the public received from
the Legislature what the public wanted
81 was particularly blessed with having
Legislatures which, in my sincere opinion,
were the best the State has ever had, and
to them is due the credit Of passing the
wholesome laws which were enacted at the
peoples request. They had among their
number some of the strongest and best
men in the State. They took hold with q
vigor and determination never excelled,
and they rendered service to the State
for which they are entitled to the gratitude
of every citizen of Maryland"
The Governor then complimented the
Republicans of the Legislatures upon their
cooperation with him, also mentioning
that when acting as members of commits
si0ns which he appointed Immediately after
the legislative session of 1908 they had
shown a spirit of hearty cooperation.
Although he has practically finished his
message and it is now in the hands of the
printer, the Governor says he would have
been glad, had he had the opportunity, to
mention several other subjects
One OF these is the Wilson Ballot law
He said. after outlining the usual Objec-
tons which are made to the law by the
Republicans, that the argument that ii OPP
Grated against a certain element of the
Republican party did not strike him so
seriously as did the allegation that the law
was capable Of being called trick law"
The fairness of its application, he said,
could easily be secured by the passage of
bill providing for bipartisan board
of election supervisors in the Wilson law
counties, all to be appointed by the Gov
ernoT.
The problem. he said, of maintaining
white supremacy in counties where the
negro population far outnumbered the white
people still continued to be a serious one.
The Republican party is responsible for
the Fifteenth Amendment to the Federal
Constitution, which brought about this
problem" declared the Governor, land now
that franchise amendments to the State
Constitution have been defeated and the
State is soon to have Republican Gov
ernOr, it would be helpful to Maryland If
the Republican party would come forward
with the correct solution of the problem.
would like to know what the Republicans
would want to do about it,