Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1924-02-01
AUTOMOBILE CLUB
BILL INTRODUCED
Each Owner Would Be Required To
Garry Policy OF 5000 As
Protection.

Annapolis bill embracing the
recommendation Of the Automobile
Club Of Maryland were introduced in
the House Of Delegates by Delegate
Joseph, OF Baltimore city.
One Of the bills would increase the
number of magistrates in the Traffic
Court, the bill reciting that over 150
cases a day sometimes are tried in
one court. The bill calls for three
magistrates, two sitting from 10 to 4,
and one holding evening court from Z
to II. Each court rs to have a deputy
clerk to collect fines and penalties
and make report to a chief clerk
daily.
1t is provided in one Of the bills that
at the time an arrest Is made for a
motor violation the accused shall be
notified of the charge against him, or
II his car is tagged such information
shall be given. Trials shall be set for
such a time as shall best serve the
defendant and his witnesses.
One bill would eliminate all mini
mum fines in order that more discre
ton might be given the trial magis
trate. In case of machine approach.
ing another from the right at a con
siderable distance from crossing and
travelling at high speed It would lose
the right now possessed.
1t is provided by one Of the bills
that vehicles may pass other vehicles
on the right as well as left side where
the roadway is Of sufficient width.
The same would hold good on one.
way streets of three-car width.
Parking is forbidden on any i'm
proved highway unless there is room
for two other cars unless machine is
broken down or unloading freight or
passengers.
A compulsory automobile insurance
bill was among those introduced by
Delegate Joseph and sponsored by the
club. Each automobile owner would
be forced to carry insurance of $2,50O
as protection against personal injury
suffered by another and an additional
indemnity of $500 for property dam
age The Public Service Commission
could waive this provision in case the
owner showed his financial standing
would protect
Delegate Given introduced bill pre-
pared by Comptroller Gordy, making
the Comptroller the custodian of bonds
of all constitutional and Stats officers.
The act is not to apply to his own
bond, which shall remain, as hereto
fore, in the custody OF the Governor.
Thirteen bills affecting the rela-
tionship of husband and wife and Civ
ing to the wife in some cases special
lights and privileges which she does
lot at present possess, were intro
iuced by Delegate Josepuh.
Among the provisions is one that
husband may not sue for injuries to
his wife unless she die. in all other
cases she alone to be the plaintiff.
Another provides that husibaAd shall
not be responsible for the wife's busi-
ness bills or in any case where he
would not be responsible were. he not
her husband
She is entitled to all money earned
by herself and in case Of divorce or
separation the wife to share equally
with husband in distribution of prop
erty.
In spite of late start IS bills were
introduced in the House,
Delegate CaIlan. Baltimore city. in
troduced bill making impossible the
placing OF a constitutional amendment
referendum before the people uh.,i a
prior referendum has granted the
right.
BY the terms Of bill introduced by
Delegate Bruce, of Baltimore city, any
person arrested for State liquor law
violations could plead double jeopardy
If he had been previously arrested by
Federal officers on same charge
Employees of State institutions would
be eligible to sick and disability pen.
sions after Is years service by the
terms of bill introduced by Delegate
Meyers. of Baltimore.
Delegate John W. Gray introduced
the perennial State Office building bill.
This has made its appearance at many
sessions. but has always been success
fully opposed by the Anne Arundel
politicians. because Of the proposition
to locate the building in Baltimore.
Mr. Gray's bill provides for loan
of 100000, one-hah to be issued Au-
gust Is. 1924, and the remainder one
year afterward.