Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1920-01-02
Letter From Annapolis.

Woman suffrage, race tracks and the
liquor question are the three big problems
that will worry members of the Maryland
Legislature in the session to open here
January 7. The quaint old State capital
is waking up from its two years letharey
for the coming Of the legislators and office
seekers, the latter being due in droves after
the Inauguration Of Governor-elect Richie.
Governor Harrington is preparing to turn
over the executive mansion and office to
the new Democratic Governor.
A healthy boom has been started for
the election of Senator Sitter, of Hartford
county. as president Of the Senate, an
honor within the grasp of the late Peter
J. Campbell. who had welded the gavel
two terms. Senator Sitter will enter upon
the second half of his term in January.
He was States Attorney of Hartford for
several years before his election to the
Senate. In 1915 he was a Democratic
elector- at-large.
Mr.. Stifler's friends are relying upon sue
cess. not only because of the qualifications
Of their favorite, but because they see
division in Baltimore city's claim for the
position. They anticipate that Senators
Prick and Norris will be in the race. With
the Baltimore city delegation thus divided,
the countrymen declare the city men will
be unable to decide between the two can
didates. The county Senators are inclined
to prefer Mr.. Prick, If called upon to make
a choice.
It is recognized that the Eastern Shore
will not be in the running. Burton Orlando
Harrison. of Worcester, says he will not be
candidate for the fun of it. Senator j.
H. C. Legs. who will enter upon his second
term. has announced his candidacy for the
presidency.
Mr.. Stifier's candidacy will have the
effect Of embarrassing the prospects of
COL Willard E, Tydings, also of Hartford
county, for Speaker of the House of Dele
gates. Mr.. Coburn, of the same county, is
also candidate for Speaker. He has the
support of Mr.. Huppins, his colleague. Both
gentlemen are opposed to Colonel Tydings,
as are those Democrats Of the county who
were affiliated for quarter of century
with the late State Treasurer Murray Van
diver. for whose defeat for reelection in
1915 they hold Col. Tydines largely respon-
sible. Opponents Of woman suffrage are also
opposed to Colonel Tydings because of his
record in favor Of suffrage.
The friends of Mr.. Roberts, of Prince
Georges county, are continuing their fight
for his election as Speaker, while Mr.. Hol-
lyday. of Anne Arundel. and Mr.. Mcdaniel,
of Talbot. have their supporters.
So pronounced. however, has become the
drift toward Colonel Tydings as Speaker
that his friends believe his election is as
sured. The fact that he is an experienced
member of the House has been factor in
his prospects, as old members returning ia
the House are always disposed to lear
toward a candidate for Speaker with whom
they are acquainted. Colonel Tydings wal
a member of the House when he quit to &
to war.
The election of Mr.. Tydjngs would Civ
the Lee element in the counties recogni
ton. 1t would, therefore, be accepted as
step toward cementing party factions, a
accomplishment regarded as very dear
the heart of Governor elect Richie.
. OCCASIONAL.