The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1919-10-17

nationwide approval The Absent
Soldiers and Sailors Vote law was
passed. The prompt and effective
steps taken by Maryland proved OF
invaluable assistance in helping TO
mobilize the resources Of the coun-
try for war purposes.
But the constructive legislation en-
acted during the present admmistra-
ton did not end with the redemption
of the party pledges and the prov1-
sions for the war emergencies. The
health laws have been revised. I'm
nortant reforms have been effected
i'm the bank and insurance laws
The motor vehicle laws have been
amended. Measures aiding the con-
servation of fish, oysters and CRABS
have been enacted Child labor
legislation has also been passed
The State Armory Commission and
the State Board of Motion Picture
Censors have been created Steps
have been taken to bring the East
ern and Western Shores into closer
relations than ever before by the
establishment of ferries across the
Chesapeake Bay.
The financial affairs of the State
have been managed with exceptional
ability, the accounting system i'm
proved and simplified and the Comp
troller's office maintained upon a
thoroughly business basis under Mr.
McMullen.
We have done far more than re-
deem the promises made by us 10
the people of Maryland.
| 80
the people more closely than any
other question. The condition is the
result of the world war and is
| worldwide.
! Increased foreign demand for
necessities, diversion OF production
for war purposes and extravaganza
are underlying and potent factors;
the condition is aggravated in many
ins+an.-As by prQ1teerips and hoard
ing. .,or
The problem IS national rather
than State, and the Federal Govern
| ment has already taken steps de-
signed to eliminate those contTlDut-
ing causes which are within the gov
ernmental power. e.o4,
Much can be done within the state
nv the education of the people in the
/ observance of economy, by the ell
couragement Of production OF |ne
essentials of life on the farm anu ''i
industry, by the rigid enforcement Oh
laws protecting the people from
boarding and proflteering, and by
the passage of such supplementary
laws as may be necessary for that
purpose. We pledge our party 10
each and all Of these remedial meas
lures, and we pledge ourselves 10 CO.
operate to the fullest extent with The
Federal Government in the adoptlo1l
and carrying out of nationwide
plan to lower the cost of living.
We pledge our party to the strict
est economy in the administrator
of our State government To this
end we declare for:
1. The creation of a Central Pur-
chasing. Department for all state
boards, commissions and offices.
2. The establishment of an etfl-
cient merit system applicable to the
EMPLOYEES of the various State Off
ces, boards and commissions.
3. Careful preparation or Inc
State Budget, SO that the State
revenues may be conserved while
the legitimate objects Of government
are obtained.
4. The enactment of the fewest
possible laws which create additional
| offices. cause extra expense, or are
burdensome to or unduly regulatory
of the public.
! 5. An efficient, business-like and
economical administration of existing
! law, and the greatest possible CO
ordination among the several State
Departments.
We recognize the time-honored,
Democratic principle Of local self
government as fully applicable TO
/ Baltimore City The people of this
great political division of the State
should have complete home rule In
all their local affairs, inasmuch as
the expenses of administration are
borne entirely by taxes levied upon
them.
We specifically favor the enact
ment of legislation giving to the
people Of Baltimore the right to de-
termine by referendum vote
whether or not the Police Board
shall be appointed by the Mayor Of
Baltimore, who is to be elected a,
the next mayoralty election.
We pledge our party to such an
increase in the salaries of the police
force as will make those salaries
compare with other salaries and
wages, and to the passage OF the
necessary legislation as soon as pos
sib1e after the Legislature OF 1871
meets, so that the increased pay may
begin at the earliest practicable
date.
We pledge our party to the com
pletion of needed extensions of, OF
additions to, the State Roads Sys-
tenn, and, wherever necessary, tc
widen and strengthen the Statt
highways; also, that the State Roac
system be extended and built through
incorporated towns
We pledge our party to plan
system of, and to build such second,
airy or lateral roads as may be need
ed to furnish the farmers and others
with good roads over which to trave
and haul their produce to the main
State highways and to the shipping
points, the cost thereof to be equit-
ably divided between the State ant
the county.
We believe that both the mair
State highways and the secondary
or lateral roads should be maintained
as part of the State Road System
and that in no event should the pro
o-1r I1on1 hn uCQC