The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser., 1922-01-20

In the House JOQn L. ". Lee VI
Hartford county, the Democratic
choice, and Joseph Wolfnger of Wash
ington county, who was picked for
Republican floor leader in caucus
were the only candidates for >he
Speakership.
Here, too, the vote on roll call fol-
lowed party lines. Mr.. Lee having
been elected, the temporary Speaker,
]. Allan Coad, appointed Mr. Wolhnger
and Stephen Gambrill Of Howard
county as a committee of two to eH
cort him to the chair. The newly
elected Speaker then swore in the en-.
tire body, long-drawn-out proceed
ing, and that body being organized,
the Democratic caucus choice for desk
offices and sergeant-at-arms was
elected
The Republicans did not offer a
slate in either the Senate or House,
being so woefully in the minority that
the leaders decided not to go through
the farce Of voting for the nominees.
Miss Mary E. w. Risteau of Har
ford county, the only woman member
of the Legislature, was assigned to
the desk at the extreme right end Of
the second row, having the aisle abut-
ting On the Speakers desk on the
right, allowing her plenty of room to
stride up and down while addressing
her male colleagues.
Both chambers and the lobby Of the
Capitol were thronged with visitors
Baltimore politicians, members of the
Baltimore detective force, Legislative
agents, officers and members Of the
many women's organizations of Mary
land.
The House effected its organization
very quickly, installing the officers
agreed upon at the Democratic caucus
within about As minutes after it went
into session at noon.
After the call to order the Rev. Ed
ward G. Johnson, rector of st. Anne's
Protestant Episcopal Church, delivered
the invocation. ]. Allan Coad, of St.
Mary's county, was installed as tempo
rary Speaker.
James T. Norris, Of Hartford county,
nominated John L. G. Lee, of Hartford,
for Speaker, and Benjamin B. Baker,
chairman of the Democratic city dele
cation, seconded the nomination.
Rudolph Nickel, of Allegany county,
then nominated Joseph w. Woffnger,
Of Washington county, as the Repub-
lican candidate, and the nomination
was seconded by James M. Conrad, of
Frostburg. Mr.. Lee received II votes
to 30 for Mr.. Wolfnger, who will be
the Republican House floor leader.
In his speech upon being installed
Mr.. Lee urged that the House seek to
keep down the volume of legislation.
-Four years ago l urged the least
legislation the better" he said. There
are too many laws. Let us try to have
less. Let this session be on econom-
ical, business principles. When In
doubt about a bill vote no. And do
not introduce bills by request
"Let us take up the reorganization
plan at once, and have these bills
passed promptly"
The six Republicans in the Senate
will stand behind Governor Richie for
"all legislation that will inure to the
benefit of the taxpayers and the honor
of the State as whole"
This declaration was made on the
floor of the Senate during its organiza-
ton by Senator Charles F. GoodeI.
Frederick county, and indicated that
the minority will not offer strong op.
position to the economy legislation
worked out by the Governor.
Economy was almost a byword in
the Senate. The importance of max
ing dollar go further than ever be-
fore was emphasized by all the speak
ers.
Senator William l. Norris, of the
First district, Baltimore, reelected
unanimously as president of the Senate,
following his choice in the Democratic
caucus, pointed out the necessity OF
preventing any increase in the burden
of taxation. It was the first point
mentioned by Senator Orlando Harri-
son, Worcester county, when he took
the chair as president pro tenn. Sen
ator Goodell emphasized it when he
put before the Senate the name of
Senator r. Smith Snader, Carroll
county, as Republican nominee for
presiding officer. His nomination for
this post automatically makes Senator
Snader minority floor leader In the
Senate.