Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1918-02-28
LEONARDTowN MD THURSDAY MORNING. Feb Is Igls.

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awaiting Senatorial action should receive far
more careful and deliberate consideration by
that body than was possible in the lower branch
Of the Legislature, where Republican control pre-
destined its passage in liquidation of its cam
paign debt to the city.
The Senate, fortunately, has a Democratic
majority, which is not hampered by unwise
platform promises, and can give this bill the
careful scrutiny that its far-reaching influence
demands. Fairness comedies that no obstacle
should be placed in the way Of the normal,
healthy growth Of Baltimore. She is one Of
the most important shipping points on the At
lantIc coast, is great manufacturing and indus
tnal center and is the metropolis Of a state. that
will take pride in seeing her expand and rank
among the really big cities Of America
That reasonable extension OF her limits is
necessary to insure continued progress is
generally admitted, but from comparative ref.
erence to the map showing the present sboun-
diaries, and one indicating the area proposed to
be annexed, it would appear that the latter is
out Of all proportion to even Tie most VBtsfislic
nate ct her gr0Wihg Tendencies.
& The rights Of Baltimore and Anne Arundel
counties should be safeguarded by such amend
ments to the bill as Will compensate FOR the
territory annexed. reimburse them for cxpendi-
lures for public Improvements therein, and guar
antee an equitable readjuslrnent Of their bonded
indebtedness and other financial affairs. ! This
should be done, not necessarily according to the
TIecoPmmendstlons q the committee that drafted
dictates Of city partisans, but should represent
the fair and lust conclusions of the Senate after
an exhaustive investigation Of all the questions
involved. ss s 4. Nv i'll.
More important, however than catering TO.
/ the needs Of Baltimore. City and protecting the
interests Of the two counties whose boundaries
are affected, is the gaver duty Of conserving
the political safety and freedom OF the State at
large. Every precaution should be taken that
citv extension does not rob the State OF the
nolihcal supremacy which is essential to good
government That the extension bill canles no
provision for any immediate increase OF Balti-
more's representation in the Legislature Cannot
Be accepted as sufficient guarantee against future
usllrpation Of power by the city
The population Of Maryland is 20 close to
equal division between Baltimore City and the
rest Of the State that any appreciable IN
crease in that Of The city viii give her the bal
ance of power, and that she would utilize i e
Arbitrarily extend her influence is more thar
probable. Is it safe 10 place in her hands, !
weapon. that could be used TO force spolitca
commence upon the Statep The people
MARYLAND are mole concerned about the futur
results Of city extension than they are about i
present effect. They want tc be tair 70 balt
more, but they do not wish to place in leopard
the welfare Of this State. s. a.', "
The unity Of interest between the State an
The CITY IS time-honosed and indissoluble. an
MARYLAND will take the keenest pride IL Bait
mores commercial and industrial deyeIOpmer
If ii Is accomplished without destroying d
sovereignty of The commonwealth Geogapt
zeal extension is one thing; political annexa!lo