The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1927-01-06
RITCHIE HOPES ASSEMBLY
WILL CUT STATE TAX RATE
Governor, In Message At Open
ing Session of Legislature, Fig
ureS on a 25-Cent Basis.

Annapolis, Jan. 5-Governor Richie
told the General Assembly at the OPP
ening of its session today that he con-
sidered the two outstanding tasks of
the session the provision for financing
the States business for the next two
years by appropriation bills and the
revitalizing of the seafood industry of
the Chesapeake Bay.
If the appropriations are held down
to the amounts to be recommended by
him in his budget, the Governor said,
the State tax rate for 1927 and 1928
will be 25 cents, reduction Of about
PIE cents from the present rate.
Urges Gas-TaX Increase.
The Governor recommends an in
crease of 112 cents a gallon in the tax
on gasoline for lateral roads and l
cent for the elimination of grade
crossings. He urged that this Legis-
iature be one of fewer laws and laws
carefully considered.
Proceeding under suspension of the
rules, the General Assembly extended
the term of Associate Judge H. Arth-
ur Stump, of the Supreme Bench of
Baltimore City, until the general cleo
ton of 1881. This was the first
legislative act Of the session and the
only one today.
The Senate, in executive session,
confirmed Governor Ritchie's selection
of Judge Carroll T. Bond as chief
judge Of the Court of Appeals.
Certify Richie Winner.
Both houses, in joint session, can
vassed the returns Of the last election
for Governor and decided Governor
Richie was the winner. Then they
passed resolution urging him to APP
pear at the State House on January
y to be inaugurated.
The total vote of the State, as
shown by the certificates from clerks
of courts throughout the State, was:
Richie, 207 ,435; Allison E. Mullikin,
republican, lac, 40.
Both Houses adjourned to meet
again next Tuesday at noon.
Both Houses organized by electing
officers chosen at the Democratic eau
cuses last night. In the Senate, Alex
ander R. Hagner, Republican nominee.
moved to make unanimous the choice
Of David G. Mcintosh, Jr., for presi-
dent of the body after the vote had
been taken. In the House of Delegates
such courtesy on the part of J Mil
ton Patterson, Republican, caucus for
Speaker, was impossible, for the vote
was taken by ballot. E. Brooke Lee,
Democratic caucus nominee, was
elected by vote of so to So.
Speaker Lee Sworn In.
Frederick Lee Cobourn, of Hartford
county, was temporary speaker of the
House. Speaker Lee was sworn in by
Daniel Joseph, of the Fourth Legisla-
tive district, the oldest member in
point of service. The members then
were sworn in by groups.
When Frank Small, Jr, Republican.
of Prince Georges county, approach
ed to take the oath, he was told to
stand aside until all other members
had been sworn in, as notice of a con-
test of his seat had been filed by Kent
Robert Mullikin, Democrat. Mr. Multi
kin, in his petition and notice, averred
that the official returns showed 5,275
votes cast for him and $3.50 for
Small. He disclaimed any allegation
of fraud, but stated that the returns
in favor of Small was caused by ''un-
intentional and inaccuracies" on the
part of the election officials in the
First precinct of Seat Pleasant dist
riot. The case will go to the committee
on elections, to be appointed.
Curtis Fails To Appear.
In place of the Democratic slate for
desk officers Delegate Patterson. of
Allegany, Republican floor leader.
offered a substitute containing the
names of the nominees of the Republi-
can caucus. This was deferred by a
straight party vote. On the adoption
of the order appointing the Democrat
&c list eighteen Republican members
voted with the Democrats.
Francis P Curtis, who was elected
one of the delegates from the Second
Legislative district, did not appear to
be sworn in. Charles C. Wallace. City
Solicitor, has given Mayor Jackson
an opinion holding that if Mr. Curtis
takes his seat in the House he will
thus automatically vacate his position
of Commissioner for Opening Streets,
to which he was appointed by the
Mayor.
Employees To Be Selected.
In addition to the officers selected
today, about forty-fve employees, such
as doorkeepers, folders, proof readers,
stenographers, postmasters and COM
mittee clerks. are vet to be- appointed