Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-04-07
Adjournment OF The Legislature

other years. Speaker Laird returned to his
home here on Wednesday much pleased
with the legislative work accomplished
especially that portion which economical
in State expenses. AS Speaker, he cap
tivated all the members of the body over
which he presided, honored his county and
honored himself.
Speaker Laird was given an ovation by
the whole House such as probably was
never equaled in the history Of Maryland.
When the Republican floor leader, Mr..
Metzerott. finished a very feeling and elo-
quent speech, presenting on behalf Of the
House magnificent silver service of five
pieces on a salver, the whole House rose
and cheered.
Speaker Laird's acceptance was touch
ing one, his voice strong, although CULVER
ing with emotion.
Nov that the session of 1915 is about
to close" said Mr. Metzerott in presenting
the silver. I'VE can all Of us join in saying
that this session, whetheror not it is distin-
guished for anything else, is distinguished
for having been presided over by the real
grand old man of Maryland. Never in
the history Of this Assembly or any other
has there been presiding officer who was
more fair. more generous and more con-
siderate of each and every member than
has been Speaker Laird Of this House.
IF we have achieved anything, it is
because his example has inspired us to DO
to work for the benefit of the people-of all
the people of this State and try to achieve
something to make this Legislature worth
while" He closed by saying that he hoped
the gift of the House might, at all times. re-
call to his mind "the fact that there are
lOl men who will ever bear his name in
their hearts,"
Speaker Laird from seat on the floor
oil the House replied. After expressing his
thanks for the gift and the spirit which
prompted it. lie said
II you knew the reluctance with which
! assumed the responsibilities of the Speak
ership. the fear that should fail, the con-
slant anxiety that should incur your dis
pleasure. you would realize how thankful
am for this display Of your feeling.
THE character of your work-the full
ness with which think you have met
your pledges to the people, are all evidence
Of the earnestness and patriotism of your
purposes with respect to these things.
mo Speaker ever had greater cause for
reorganization than |, and at this moment
my feeling is one of profound gratitude
ana a=akfulness.
Your record of work in this House is
unique. and believe the people of Mary
land. when they come to think about il
viii give you ample credit for your work
here. This is not the time to sum up the
results of our work, but believe that
when II is summed up it will be found
TO be good. Your work has been along
unusual lines, but by and by it will be
found that it has been constructive and
progressive and that it will serve the best
interests of the State and promote the
welfare of the people,"
The Baltimore Sun says:
The Legislature started well when il
elected Philip d. Laird Speaker of the
House. Mr.. Laird's record in public life
his peculiar record Of an honest and sus-
tanned demand Of many years for economy
and efficiency-made him the logical choice
for Speaker. He was opposed bitterly by
the Lee men and the Mahon-Preston city
men for fractional reasons, and he was op-
posed secretly by powerful men in the
Democratic organization because they
knew they could not manipulate the
power of the Speakers chair if he occu-
pied it. 1t is to Governor Harrington's
credit that when the test came he stood
strongly for Mr.. Laird and, with the as
sistance of Frank A. Furst, compelled his
election.
Mr.. Laird's election gave tone and color
to the Legislature from the very begin
ming. 1t was taken by all as an earnest,
In the first place. Of sincere purpose by the
Democratic party to hold down legislative
expenses. The election itself did much
toward that. And. in the second place. il
was taken by all to mean that the bust
ness of the House would be conducted de.
Gently and fairly.
II is due Mr.. Laird to say that a few
weeks after he assumed the chair he haC
the House behind him as few others Speak
ers have had. and by the end of February
II any man had attempted to embarras,
the Speaker. he probably would hav,
been kicked out Of the chamber. The mem
bers, without regard to party or faction
knew they had strong. sane. just an,
helpful man in the chair; they knew h
was determined to protect each Of then
in his rights. and they were bent upol
treating him and seeing that other
treated him as he treated them. Tn
feeling which MIR. Laird created lasted unit
the very end Of the session, and gave al
Unusual dignity to the actions of the House
The General Assembly on Monday passe,
bill fixing the State tax rate for the mex
two years. The rate for 1917 will b
SO 5-l2 cents on the 500. while that 70
1918 will be SO "a cents on the 500.
The Legislature passed the Tydines BIZ
abolishine the Office Of State Fire Marshal
The bill was so amended as to provide tina
the State Insurance Commissioner sha
designate deputy fire marshal who shal
be paid $4,000 and whose expenses shal
not exceed an additional $4,000. Tn
State viii save $4,000 year, the presen
appropriation for the State Fire Marshal
Office being $4,000 year.
The bill authorizing the establishmer
Of tuberculosis hospital in this count
was passed. The State is to contribut
$4,000 toward the erection Of the buldin
and $500 for annual maintenance. Tn
county contributes like sums for the sam
purposes. The law provides that the hoi
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