The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1914-01-09
THE MEETING OF THE STATE
LEGISLATURE AND IT'S
IMPORTANCE.

D'ON 0hio VIVA az AHHdp Vlio. his is
the first time in fourteen years that this
county will be represented in the Legis-
lature by five members of the House of
Delegates, all of whom are Democrats,
with no Republican affiliations. In the
Senate this county will be represented
by a Republican, who is a hold-over
Senator.
The sessions of the Legislature are
always of importance to the people of the
State, and it was never of greater i'm
portance than at the present session.
We desire to emphasize the import
ance of this, because it is Democratic
body, and because this county is repre-.
sented in the House of Delegates by five
Democrats, and we are anxious to see
them make splendid record for them
selves and for the people, and especially
the taxpayers Of the county. and the
whole State. There is no reason why
they should not make a first class rec
ord, and make themselves eligible for
reelection to the next Legislature. There
is one way, and only one sure way to do
this, and that is by strict attention to
their duties.
These men are sent there to represent
the best interests of the State of Mary
land, and their absolute duty is to cast
no vote, unless they are absolutely GER
tain that the vote is cast in the interest
Of, and for the welfare of the people
not part Of the people-and not for
any party or for any interest.
If this important consideration is
kept in constant contemplation, they can
not make any mistake. If lost sight of,
constant mistakes will dog their footsteps
and failure will be the result that they
will inevitably reach.
No member Of that body ought to
vote for any bill or resolution by whose
ever advocated, unless he knows all
about it. Read everything that is in
troduced and study it, and thus become
familiar with everything and then there
will be no danger Of being caioled or de-
ceived into voting for corrupt and i'm
proper bills, thus becoming the
mere tools of the hangers on, who lie
around the legislative halls for the pur-
pose of spoils, because the members do
not do their duty in learning and know
Ing what is going on.
The Legislature holds the money of
the people, and especially that of the
taxpayers, and no money can be spent
unless it is authorized by the Legisla
ture.
The first aud the highest duty of
each member of the Legislature is to see
to it that the money of the people is not
wasted by unreasonable and wild cat
The last Legislature voted away mil
lions of dollars which the people will
have to pay These appropriations,
many Of them utterly useless to the
general public, and more were SO extrav-
agant as to be utterly indefensble. There
IS now being asitated lot of schemes
% be brought forward, the only result of
which will be to despoil the taxpayers
gain, as has been the case in the past.
These are schemes involving millions
y dollars to the taxpayers. 1t must be
iWays kept in mind by each Demo-
ratio member that it is easy to vote
waythe money of the taxpayers, but it
not SO easy when the taxpayers have it
D pay. 1t is very easy to issue bonds,
ut every bond has to be paid.
The most important duty and obliga-
on of every member of the Legisla-
Ire, and especially every Democrat, is
guard with watchful eye the inter
its Of the taxpayers.
1t is very easy if the members spform
lemselves, and if they do not know,
infer with their friends at homo who
know, and in whom they ca b put
'n6dence.
If this rule is followed, and it is the
,lv safe rula thic T,aoieloturo l;Il L.