Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1914-07-03
Chairman Laird Resigns.

Chairman Laird Resigns.
Chairman Philip D. Laird's resignation
as member of the Public Service Com
mission has been sent to Gov. Goldsborough
to take effect August LIST.
Ii is believed that in his letter to the
Governor Mr.. Laird will set forth fully his
reasons for resiening. Undoubtedly, how
ever, failing health is the primary cause.
1t was learned that Mr.. Laird's col
leagues on the commission. Messrs. Tina
nus and Towers, have done everything in
their power to dissuade him from carrying
out his intentions.
Besides their sincere regard for him as
man. they realize that it will be ex-
tremely difficult to find a man to take his
place.
In the first place, Mr.. Laird's experience
is invaluable to the commission at this
time, when it is embarking upon two of the
most important Investigations it will have
to make-the telephone and the United
Railways investigations.
In the next place, he is, Temperament
tally, peculiarly fitted for the work he has
been doing, possessing qualifications. by
reason of his knowledge of law and broad
general learning, that are hard to duplicate.
Again, it is recognized that men who
measure up to Mr.. Laird will fight shy of
accepting an Office which may not last
longer than year and nine months
Under the law his term expires in May,
1916 Because of the change in admins
tration which may take place between
now and then his successor can have no
reasonable assurance of doing more than
serve out his unexpired term.
The announcement that Mr.. Laird would
resign came as complete surprise to all
but very few close personal friends to
whom he is said to have announced his
intentions, and is a matter of universal
regret with all who knew him and know
the work he has been doing on the COM
mission.
Since he has been on the Public Service
Commission Mr. Laird has been one of the
most faithful, conscientious and hard
working officials in the States employ.
His work has won universal commentator,
and many of the opinions handed down by
him have been called extremely able.
Mr.. Laird will soon be So years of age.
He was born in Cambridge. Md, November
is. 1916. In 1867 he was admitted to the bar
and for while practiced law in his native
town. In 1880 he moved to Montgomery
county and soon built up a reputation as
an able lawyer.
Mr. Laird was four times elected mem
Der of the House of Delegates from Mont
gOmery county, serving during the sessions
of 1886. 1888, 1890 and 1892. He was
easily one of the ablest men in the General
Assembly. One of the speeches he made
while member Of the House has frequently
been referred to as one of the most note.
worthy orations ever delivered in Maryland
Frequent reference was made to it at An.
napolis during the legislative session o.
1914.
Mr.. Laird was Commissioner of the Lane
Office from 1892 to 1896. In 1900 he wa
elected secretary of the Farmers Banking
and Trust Company at Rockville. In 1907
he was elected its president This posi-
ton he held until May l, 1910. when HI
resigned to accept his appointment to tn,
Public Service Commission.
Mr.. Laird is the only original member o.
the commission still serving Attention
has been called to the fact that when hi.
successor is appointed not only will the
personnel of the commission have beer
completely changed within a little more
than four years. but. in the event Repub.
lican succeeds him. its political complexion
will have been completely reversed. All oil
the original Commissioners were Demo
Gratis.
II is also worthy of note that the changes
above referred to have been accompanied
by the death of Louis M. Duvall, the origi
nal secretary Of the commission. and tn,
resignation of Albert c. Richie, who wal
the first assistant general counsel to tn,
commission.
EDITORIAL COMMENT.
From the Baltimore News.
II Chairman Philip d. Laird remains firm