The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1920-03-12


BE 1t Resolved, That it is our be-
lief that the Public Service Commis-
sion was created to represent and pro-
tect the people as we'll as the public
service corporations, and that we be-
lieve that now is the time for said
Public Service Commission to repre-
sent and protect the people; and, be it
further
Resolved, That we do hereby re
quest said Public Service Commission
to represent and protect the interests
Of the people as well as those of the
public service corporations; and, be it
further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of
the House be and hereby is directed
TO send copy of this resolution to
the said Public Service Commission"
The resolution was referred to the
Committee of Judiciary.
In the House Mr.. Jones, of Baltf:
more, introduced bill providing for
the submission of an amendment to
the state Constitution for the estab-
lishment Of the initiative in the state
legislative system. The referendum
has already been introduced. It does
not, however, provide for a popular
vote on liquor questions. An amend
ment has been proposed by which
this exemption will be repealed.
The Committee on Insurance and
Loans reported the bill proposing
amendments to the state banking law.
The more important changes proposed
in the law require more frequent ex-
animation of state banking institutions
and increasing the capital stock OF
branches of banks and trust COM
panies. As the House desired more
information on the measure it was I
committed to the committee.
Opponents of the Addison bill Il
permit the opening of moving-picture
shows on Sunday afternoons claimed
that the measure is dead. The billaH
still in the hands of the House Ju-
dietary Committee, and it Is said that
a favorable report is not to be ex-
pected.
The antagonists of the measure In
clude not only the Lords Day Alliance
but also Cardinal Gibbons, the Fedora
tion OF Labor, the moving-picture op-
orators and some of the film theatre
proprietors.
Mr.. Jones of Baltimore, today intro
duced a constitutional amendment pro-
yiding for the initiative. The State
already has referendum act.
The amendment follows closely the
lines of that introduced several years
ago by Senator Offutt. 1t provides
that to initiate law there must be
10. 900 signatures, not more than hall
of the signers residing in Baltimore
To get an amendment to the constltu-
ton there must be 10000 signers, with
the same conditions applying as to the
city signers. No law shall be pro-
posed more than three months before
a general election, and shall go into
effect within one month after adop-
tion.
In the House Mr.. Powell, OF ALE
gany county, introduced a bill to IN
crease the annual appropriation OF
S.. 900 to $4,000 for the encourage
ment of agricultural fairs. The bill
nrovides that the association, which
has declared a dividend within three
wears previous to application for
part of this appropriation, shall be
eligible to participate. A statement or
report must also be filed with the
State Comptroller showing that the
said association has paid at the last
fair in premiums for farm products
cattle and poultry not less than nfty
per cent. (50ee) Of the amount re-
ceiyed from this appropriation.
Though suffrage Is now dead 1s-
sue in this session of the General As
sembly. legislative routine has to be
observed. and the House voted on the
Jones resolution, definitely rejecting
the Anthony federal amendment. The
roll-call showed IS in favor OF reject
ing and 25 who favored adopting sur
frage. The resolution was on It's last
reading and many members did not
know for what they were voting ana
later changed their vote.
The memorable vote last week was
"a to Sc in favor of rejection.
The House Judiciary Committee
gave a hearing to representatives OF
the Federation of Labor on the black
listing bill, which they advocated.
The House adopted Mr.. Harper's or
dor calling upon the State Superin-
tendent of Labor and Statistics Tor de-
tailed information regarding employ
ment in the several industries ano
other occupations in the State.
Considerable opposition was voiced
by various delegations against the
Metzerott bill placing tax on Dill
h0arQS or SlSuS. DSIO61S--->o
senting the Advertising Club OF Baiti
more. the Merchants and Manufactur'
ers' Association, the Real Estate
Board, the Baltimore Bill Posting Com
pany and various other interests urged
the defeat of the measure. claiming
that it's passage would bring about the
ultimate elimination of the billboards.
The House Committee on Chesa.
neake Bay and Tributaries reported
unfavorably Mr.. joys bill which was
designed to protect the menhaden fisn
industry of the Bay by excluding Vlr-
ginia fishermen. After an argument
by Mr.. Joy the bill was committed 10
the Committee on Fish and Game.
A tool for quickly stripping buttons
| and their fasteners from shoes with
out injuring the leather has been IN
| -..d hD n Miohipan man.