Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1914-07-10
Mr.. Laird Tells Why He Gives Up
The Place.

Nc EtuSCs
81 have sent to the Governor my resigna
ton of the office of chairman of the Publ
Service Commission, to take effect at tn
close of business July 81. am compelled
to express regret that in discussion of tn
matter in advance of statement from M
reasons have been assigned for my actor
that have never found Judgment in my owl
mind.
II particularly regret that the rulings o.
the Courts should be mentioned as in any
manner influencing me. for they have had
nothing to do with my resignation.
THE simple truth is that the work OF
the commission is increasing and naturally
in my declining years my strength is di-
minishing and feel that in justice to the
public should retire. 1t does not seem to
be right to bring jaded faculties to the
performance of public duties in which the
entire community is deeply interested and
which require the undivided time and the
unremitting labor of the incumbent of the
office.
Il have also felt that possibly might
be compelled to let 60 after the important
investigations now under way were actively
taken up by the commissioners, contin-
gency which would probably cause delay
and expense and be notifying to me per-
sOnally.
"NOw my successor will have time TO
become familiar with the preliminary de-
tails and be prepared to perform his part
of the task without other difficulties than
those incident to the importance and mag
nitude of the work. In word. have been
influenced mainly by my conception of what
is due to the people of the State.
From the personal side regret exceed
ing to feel Obliged to sever my connection
with the commission. The work is con-
genial, though II is certainly exacting and
difficult, and there are times when one
feels disheartened and discouraged, not
only from conditions over which he has
no control. but by reason of his own fully
realized limitations.
"Atthe same time il is genuine pleasure
to say that the relations existing between
the commissioners, their counsel and the
entire force of the Office have been from
first to last Of the most cordial nature. and
have real affection for all with whom
have been associated.
Such differences of opinion as have
arisen were based upon conviction and
have enhanced, believe. the mutual respect
of those who were brought together in the
work Of the commission"
A high tribute was paid by Gov. Colds
borough to Mr. Laird in accepting his res
ignatiOn as a member of the Public Service
Commission. The Governor. in his letter
to the retiring Commissioner, declared that
he had rendered splendid service to the
State and he accepted his resignation with
very great regret"
please permit me to thank you on the
part of the State. as well as for myself per-
sonally." said the Governor In his letter,
for the very efficient and highly intelli-
gent service which you have rendered the
State in the performance of your official
duties-duties which were most complex.
necessitating labor which was most trying
and self-sacrificine
Close friends Of the Governor discount the
reports that he has determined not to name
Democrat for the vacancy on the Public
Service Commission. II is declared that
1t is not remote possibility that man of
opposite political creed to the Governor 8
will be offered the berth. In this connec-
ton the name Of former Judge W. Laird
Henry, Of Dorchester county. was coupled
with the appointment. Judge Henry is a
Democrat whom Governor GOldsbOrough
holds in high esteem.
Friends of the Governor declared. how
ever, that he has not reached any cOnclu-
sion in regard to the vacancy except that
a successor to Mr.. Laird will be named
some time this month before Mr.. Laird s
resignation becomes effective