Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1924-01-05
Mcintosh And Curtis Elected
Senate President And House
Speaker Respectively
JOINT SESSION ADDRESSED
BY GOVERNOR RlTCHIE

Governor Ritchie again gave evil
dence Of his political strength, when
he was successful in putting over
Senator David G. Mcintosh, of Balti-
more county for president of the
State Senate. In the democratic eau
Gus held Tuesday night, Mcintosh re-
ceived IA votes, and Curran 6, the lat
ter having been backed by some of
Ritchie's closest friends, notably,
Frank Furst. He was also the candl-
date of the Mahon-Kelley forces, and
of John Walter Smith.
Besides the, four Baltimore city
Senators supporting Curran, Senator
]. Hubert Wade of Washington coun-
ty, and Senator Orlando Harrison OF
Worcester county, were found voting
for him. Opposition from Wade to
any proposition of Ritchie's is well
understood; not to insinuate that the
Senator would allow personal ami
mostly to stand in the way of any leg
islation he thought needed to secure
the welfare of the State, because
Ritchie was back of it.
The reason of Harrison's stand as
opposed to all the other county Sena-
tors is not so easily explained. No
doubt Worcester's representative has
his own convictions which he is will
ing, ready, and able to defend.
The 1924 session convened at noon
on Wednesday last. Senator Orlando
Harrison was elected president of the
Senate, pro tenn. Senator Gambrill,
of Howard, nominated Senator McIn-
tosh, and Senator Robb, of Allegany,
nominated Laurence B. Towers, of
Caroline, for the presidency. BY a
strict party vote of 81 to 6 Mcintosh
was elected; this, by motion, was
made unanimous.
The Republican caucus named Sena-
tor Towers as it's candidate for presi-
dent of the Senate; and delegate Ru-
dolph Nickel, of Allegany, for speaker
of the House.
Francis P. Curtis, of Baltimore
city, was elected speaker, altho' Mr.
Bruce of Baltimore was spoken OF
when the Richie combinations was
successful in pulling over Mcintosh
Bruce being in the Ritchie-Bruce-Lee
coalition; but the Baltimore delegates
couldn't see it that way.
It has been a matter of speculation
to some why Ritchie should make a
stand against the very forces which
without any argument made his elec.
ton sure. Ritchie and Armstrong ran
neck and neck in the counties; it was
the tremendous majority in Balti'
more which saved the day. This shows
at least that the Governor holds no Ill
will towards the counties, but wants
to treat them fairly and squarely.
In his address to the Legislature
the Governor proposed three-cen'
reduction of the tax rate, making il
the lowest since 1912; he presented &
budget calling for $54,073,514 for the
next three years; recommended loans
amounting to 7k millions for tht
next three years; makes provisions
for the five State hospitals for the in
sane; and recommends provision fol
new tuberculosis sanitorium to th'
extent of $3O0,OOO.
A notable cut is in the construction
program of the University of Mary
land; this called for the immense sun
of $3,551, $50, which was reduced tt
100000. Another cut was made il
the Normal School program; this call
ed for $1,678,OOO, $908,000 of whicl
was for the Salisbury institution. TIL
allowance was reduced to $465,O0C
S205,O 900 of which was allotted t.
Salisbury.
In the 71a million loan fund re
commended, Az millions was for pos
and lateral roads, and 100000 fo
bridges. It is to be hoped that som
of this will find it's way to Worceste
and to- some other parts of the East
ern Shore. Pocomoke City is ais
looking, for portion to help repal
Market street from Front to Second.