Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1915-07-23
A Letter From Hon. p. D. Laird.

Rockville. Nd. July %. 1915.
To the Democratic Voters of Montgomery
County:
Having announced my candidacy for the
Democratic nomination for the House Of
Delegates, and it being impracticable for
me to make an active canvass of the
county, it is due to the citizens whose
votes | solicit to make candid state
ment Of my general views.
1t is due to myself to say, that the sue
gestion of my candidacy did not originate
with me. and il consulted only my own
inclination and interests should not have
entered the field. During the past few
months large number Of citizens. Of all
shades of opinion. have urged me to be-
come a candidate. and | have at last
yielded to their wishes rather than my
own. upon the understanding that could
not make an active canvass. that would
use no money to secure the nomination.
and that would represent no faction.
really have no political aspirations in
the ordinary meaning Of the term. and no
political purpose in view beyond the ser
vice in the General Assembly Of 1916.
My interest is only such as intelligent citi-
zens should feel in the conduct Of public
affairs. have always taken a deep in
terest in the study Of public questions.
and have formed my opinion upon such
reflection as could bestow upon current
issues. regardless Of the ambitions Of politi-
cal leaders.
A seat in the Legislature has no close
connection with. and should not be depen-
dent upon. any other Office. The Consti-
tuition of the State makes the General AS
sembly a coordinate and independent
branch of the government, equal in dignity
and responsibility to the Executive and
Judiciary, and directly accountable to the
people. feel that after a service Of eight
years therein. and constant observation
and study since that service ended. I'M
derstand and appreciate the responsible
ties of the position and the solemn duty
which rests upon the representative Of
being at all times independent Of all in
fiuences except those which spring from
the needs and the large and enduring
interests Of the people Of the State.
At the present time subjects Of unusual
importance challenge the attention of the
citizens. A critical condition Of the State
Treasury has arisen. demands for appro
priations Of the public funds have grown
to enormous proportions, the State tax ratt
has more than doubled within few years
A remedy for this condition must be founC
by the Legislature. and it is easy to SCI
that the resources Of the best minds Of thu
Commonwealth will be taxed to the utmos
in the effort to establish a wise economy
without impairing the efficiency Of the
government or hating the beneficent anC
permanent advancement Of the genera
welfare.
Speaking generally. should favor anC
work for
l. Economy in the General Assembly By
adjusting the number Of employees to the
actual needs OF the two houses and tn,
appointment Of men especially fitted TO
the work.
2. Competent investigation Of the Stat
Offices with view to improving the sys
TENS in use and. where practicable. thu
reduction Of the number of employees.
3. The adoption Of the budget system o
making appropriations to the extent tina
it may be feasible; and it seems to m
that il is feasible in effect. il the treasur,
officials and the committees OF the Legisla
ture will cooperate in earnest effort /
work to that end
4. Efficiency in the administration O
all Offices, in the belief that real econom
cannot be inaueurated and maintaine
without il. This means that the incum
bent should be constantly ION the job"
and Offices whichdo not require all Of one
time should be reduced to clerkships an
consolidated with other department,
wherever this is possible.
These are. Of course. only suggestion
indicating the lines along which we shout
work to accomplish substantial results.
At this moment il is not possible I
suggest the details of measures intende
to correct evils which all recognize an
deplore. But one can devote his bes
efforts to the work. and all can undertak
to promise is. that II ! am sent TO Annapoli
will give my whole time unreservedly t
the public business. As necessary prep
aration for the actual work Of the Leeis
lature. shall. II nominated. devote tn
months preceding its assembling to carefr
and painstaking study Of the importan
matters which need attention. in the hop
Of contributing somewhat to healthier con
ditions. do not know Of any other wa
in which can make proper return fo
your confidence and favor.
PHILIP ID. LAIRD.