Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1920-04-09
Governor's Farewell To The
Legislature.

ASkfStutuTO'
In his address to the joint session OF the
Legislature Monday night. when it finally
adjourned. Governor Richie said
Gentlemen of the General Assembly of
Maryland IL could not let the work Of
this session close without giving myself
the pleasure of consratulating you upon
the fine character Of 1t, thanking you for
the support and courtesy you have so uni
formly shown me. and wishing for you good
luck and happiness in the days to come.
you are entitled to look back upon the
sessions work with real pride. There were
not many measures Of great Statewide
Importance which the welfare of the peo-
pie required. But there were some, and
these you have placed upon the statute
books. Through them every pledge made
by the Democratic platform of 1919 has
been completely redeemed.
Beginning with 1921. Maryland will
have the benefit Of the merit system. There
was some criticism Of the bill providing
for this system. but the criticism was not
justified. The bill confers full power for
the Inauguration of the most efficient merit
system possible. and the securing Of that
now becomes simply an administrative
matter.
"A central purchasing bureau has been
created, and this. it is believed, will pro-
mote economy and efficiency in buying
supplies and printing.
The pay of the public school teachers
has been literally increased and relief has
been provided in the cost of subsistence
at the State normal schools.
"A much-needed bill has been passed
providing for the draining Of swamp lands.
The Workmen's Compensation law has
been amended in many particulars by a
bill designed to give greater protection and
relief to the injured workmen for their
families
You have passed bill under which
$6,400.000 is provided for road construc-
ton during the next two years, and $780,
900 for Baltimore city streets. This leeisla-
ton marks new road policy. in that the
State is for the first time dividing with the
counties the cost Of lateral roads. and the
system devised is a mandatory one. In
carrying out this system want the State
Roads Commission to confer fully and
frequently with the county authorities upon
all administrative questions. and particu-
larry as to the kind Of material to be used
in constructing the roads in each county.
have every confidence that this road plan
will be worked out with satisfaction to the
people Of the State.
"A $i.500.00O construction loan bill and
a $250.000 bridge loan bill have also been
passed. under which general construction
and such new bridges as are absolutely
necessary will be provided.
bills have been passed for the benefit of
the tobacco growers Of Southern Maryland.
Considering the bills affecting Balti-
more city, we find that single police COM
missioner has been provided and that a
vote Of the people there will be taken as
to whether he shall be appointed by the
Governor, as at present. or by the Mayor.
The city loan bills and other measures have
passed. and the pay of the police force
has been literally increased.
THE racing situation occupied a eood
deal Of your time and, after the prohibi-
tory bills failed of passage, the tracks were
placed under strict State regulation and
supervision.
THE State tax rate for 1921 will be
IS Is cents and for 1922 IS cents. This
represents saving from the present State
tax Of something over cent for 1921 and
nearly l-2 cents for 1922. This is a very
slight increase over the rate contemplate ed
when the budget was submitted. The in
crease is due to the $25O.OO0 bridge loan
the addition Of 100000 to the general
construction loan and to an amendmen,
to the Road bill which provides for the
issue Of the entire $500. 900 in August
1920. instead of only $750. 900. an a mend.
ment which seemed necessary to assure
sufficient funds in hand for forthcoming road
work. think we may all take just pride
in this lowering Of the tax rate, in the face
Of the excessively high cost of living. The
bills have mentioned are some Of the
more important measures of Statewide
consequences for which the people Of the
State have you to thank.
And now, gentlemen Of the General
Assembly. let me say something which /.
very close to my heart. We have beer
here for work. for work which intimatei,
concerns the welfare Of our State. Bul
there lie no work into which the personal
equation does not enter, none which can.
not be the better performed IL a spirit Of
cooperation and friendship prevails.
"As look around me tonight see mer
with whom have worked through foul
sessions Of the Legislature. see other,
with whom have worked for the FIRST
time during this session. With most Of
you this association has been close, and
out Of It there have sprung ties which, on
my part at least, are very warm and will
be enduring.
Il am grateful for the help and counsel
you have SO freely given me. believe you
have known that have always welcomed
both. ! am sure that no Governor has ever
had heartier or more loyal support than
You have given me.
Il thank you for 1t from the bottomof my
heart and ] thank you. too, for your uniform
courtesy and generosity to me in all our
relations. ! bid you eood-by tonight with
9 REGRET that is very real"