Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1919-09-26

We endorse the course of that great
statesman, Woodrow Wilson. who with
matchless courage and sagacity has applied
the eternal principles of free government
to the momentous social and economic
questions which have in the recent years
come upon us to tense our national life
and test our patriotism.
The Democratic party. through its con-
troll Of both the executive and legislative
branches of the national Government from
1918 to 1919. has kept pace in its public acts
with the social and material progress of the
American people. Its constructive legisla-
ton touching the social welfare. industrial
progress and banking system of our coun-
try brought us to the fateful days of April,
1917. strong, prosperous and resourceful and
enabled us, as united and spirited people,
to crown with victory the cause of liberty in
the greatest war in the history Of the
world.
We take pride in the way in which the
Democratic war administration, founded in
deep patriotism, called to its service
regardless of party, those men whose train
ing and experience made them necessary
in the mobilization of the country's entire
resources. AS result great army was
assembled with remarkable speed, trained
and transported across the seas, equipped
to strike the final blows for genuine liberty
in the world year before Europeans be-
lieved it possible Largeness of expendi-
ture in the accomplishment of such re-
suit was national economy, as well as
the motive force of national triumph.
In contrast with Democratic performance,
we call attention to the course of the
Republican Congress. which, during the
months Of its complete legislative control.
has failed to rise above petty partisan
politics. and in consequence has failed to
respond to the imperative legislative needs
of the American people touching the varied
problems of reconstruction Of the nations
industrial life which press upon US for i'm
mediate solution to preserve our country
and our Government.
We endorse the efforts of President Will
son to gain recognition for the principle
that controversies among nations be set
tied by peaceable means, and we give our
wholehearted support to the treaty Of peace
drafted at the Peace Conference at Yer
sailles. including the league of nations,
which is part of that agreement
The STATE ADMINISTRATION.
We remind the people of the State of
the redemption by the Democratic party,
under the administration Of Governor Har-
rington, of the pledges made by us in the
platform of 1915. The budget amendment
has been adopted. Continuing appropria-
tons have been abolished, and legislative
expenses greatly reduced. Useless offices
have been eliminated, the membership of
the State Roads Commission reduced, and
the Conservation Commission formed. The
State Law Department, under the Attor-
ney General. has been created. and special
counsel to State boards and commissions
abolished. A uniform system of account
ing has been inaugarated. The envelope
system" has been abolished, and special
registration day before primary elections
provided in the counties. The Home Rule
law has been passed. The system of good
roads has been maintained and enlarged.
The agricultural resources of the State
have been developed and the State College
Of Agriculture reorganzed. The public
school system has been improved. AState
Board of Prison Control has been created
and the way cleared for the adjustment of
contract labor
In order to meet the war emergency and
to enable Maryland to do its whole duty in
keeping with its traditions. Governor Har-
rington convened the General Assembly In
special session in June, 1917. The work
already begun by the Maryland Prepared
ness and Survey Commission appointed by
him enabled the General Assembly ia
provide the needed legislation without de-
lay. A complete program Of legislation
drafted by the Attorney General was pre-.
sented on the day the Legislature met.
Among the bills were those providing
for million-dollar war loan. the Maryland
Council of Defense, State farm for prison
labor, the Maryland State Guard. suspend.
ing judgments. legal proceedings and stat.
utes of Limitation in behalf of soldiers and
sailors absent in service. amending militia
laws, providing that soldiers and sailor,
should not be stricken from the registra
tion books and authorizing successive lega
holidays. There were also other measure,
designed to conserve health and property
and the Compulsory Work law, the first o
its kind in the country, which was copie,
by other States and received NATIONWIDE
approval. The Absent Soldiers and Sail
ors Vote law was passed. The promp
and effective steps taken by Marylan,
proved invaluable assistance in helping I
= mobilize the resorces Of the country 70
war purposes
, But the constructive legislation enacte,
during the present administration did nc
! end with the redemption of the part
4 pledges and the provisions for the wa
T emergencies. The health laws have bee
revised. Important reforms have bee
effected in the bank and insurance law,
The Motor Vehicle laws have been amended
, Measures aiding the conservation of fish
e oysters and crabs have been enacted
Child labor legislation has also been passed
4 The State Armory Commission and tn
State Board of Motion-Picture Censors hav
E been created. Steps have been taken t
!. bring the Eastern and Western Shores int
E closer relations than ever before by tn
e establishment Of ferries across the Chesa
v peake Bay.
Z The financial affairs of the State hav
|. been managed with exceptional ability
the accounting system improved and sim