The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1921-05-13
BALTIMORE LETTER.

treasury LHefe are some nOldDie eA-
captions, probably the most important
of which is the State Accident Com
mission, OF which Mr. Robert r.. Lee
Of Baltimore, is chairman and Messrs
Joseph b. Harrington, OF Talbot
County, and Mr.. George l.. Eppler. OF
Allegany, are the associate members,
No money Is drawn from the State
Treasury TO carry on the work Of this
board, which il entirely self support
ing and IS therefore no drain on the
Taxpayers Of Maryland.
In many respects this Is one OF the
most important Commissions in the
whole administration OF public afl
fairs, for IL regulates and adjusts the
amount OF compensation TO be paid
10 those workmen who are in any
way injured by accidents. which result
IN the performance OF their duties.
The question of compensation 10
workmen, had heen for years sub
ject OF much acrimonious discussion
in all parts of the country, until the
system now carried out by the State
Accident Commission had been autho-
rized In a large number of States, and
Il has been adopted in practically
every State in the Union--.the legisla-
lures having been forced to adopt T..
by n strong public opinion after cons
test before the people lasting for sew
eral years. The whole scheme is so
manifestly fair and just to all, that
its existence IL now taken as matter
OF course, and II Is rare. thing 20
hear word OF criticism Reven by
-, NaF. admit Inn
by the legislature.
The Commission Is really court
and its duties are largely judicial in
their character. although the powers
are strictly defined IN the ninutcst
detail by the acts Of the General A.
sembly. The members are appointed
for six year terms, and the minority
party is always entitled to ono mem-
her OF the body. at the present time
therefore the Board consists ~ two
Democrats, namely Messrs. Lee and
Harrington, and one Republican Mr..
Epller. And these gentlemen are lit
orally on the job all the time. This W.
probably the one State Board which
has not been behind in It's work since
Il was established. Not a week has
passed in all that time when the
docket was not substantially cleared,
and those who are entitled. to com
psnsation for injuries, know just what
they are 10 receive and in many cnsea
have received their first payments
AS result the relations between en-
ployers and employees 80 far as the
payment of damages for accidents ~
concerned are much more cordial
than In the old days. when III" usual
legal means were taken, and where
those who were injured generally
tried TO get more than they were
Justly entitled too, and the employers
almost Invariably took advantage oi
all the laws delays TO keep from pay
ing out even the smallest pitiance to
those who were damaged, while at
work. The whole system Of compen-
sation 10 workmen for Injuries is
probably as well exempliaed in the
excellent management OF The Mary
land Commission az In any State In
the Onion, and the fact thar both em-
piOyers and employees unanimously
and heartily commend Il. is the best
proof OF it's value 10 the public. The
legislature never acted more wisely
than II did In the passage OF the hill
10 provide for this Commission, and Il
Is but just that the three able gentle
men who make up the body are emin-
entity qualified for the duties which
they are called upon TO perform
The people of Maryland, regardless
OF party will regret TO learn that Ma
jor Brooke Lee has definitely and pos
itively decided that under no circum-
stances will he accept a denomination
for the Office of Comptroller ~ the
State Treasury, which he rs now fill-
ing so acceptably 10 the public, and
with such great credit 10 himself and
the whole State. Up 10 the prcsenl
time there has been Il general hope
that Major Lee would reconsider his
decision not Ia accept a denomination
as the vast majority Of the people re-
gardless Of party were really anxious
TO have an opportunity to vote for
him again But he has definitely and
positively decided not TO accept a re-
nomination. and the Democratic par
ty will now be Obliged 10 find another
candidate for tho place, which will
not be I'm easy task Ever since Ma
jOr Lee made the announcement thar
he would not be a candidate there has
been more or less talk in favor Of
Senator Orlando Harrison OF Wor-
cester County. for the nomination and
there IL little doubt but that Mr., llar-
rison can secure he honor should he
desire g. He has said however that he
prefers To 20 back TO the State Sen
ate, and the probabilities are that
some one else will have 10 he found to
make the run.
The Republican troubles over the
proposed division OF the spolls Of
their last years victory, are increas-
ing and new candidates for jobs nj
Washington and elsewhere, are max
ing known their wishes and demands
every day. Senator Weller is reported
TO have gone into hiding again. and
to have begun once more his old game
OF lodging those who wish TO see him
lie is in for six years. so what need
he care how much the angered peo-
pie may rage when they can only see
him afar, or from the Senate Gallery,
and when they walt at the doors In
the hope that they may catch him as
he goes out or comes in they discoy-
err that he has left By the under
ground passage, and Is gone beyond
hope OF recall.
4 ON FNOUGU