The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-01-08
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED
LEGISLATION AT MEETING
Continued from Page One)

(Contlnued from rage One)
same time protect the independent
dealer in business activities.
Dog License Tax Law Discussed
The dog license tax law was intro
duced by a citizen recommending a
change in the present law, alleging
that many escaped payment of the
tax. Quite discussion followed the
introduction of this subject which re-
suited in information being given that
the money derived from the tax is
used for reimbursing farmers whose
sheep are injured or killed by dogs.
This topic concerning the dog law
brought about discussion relative to
what disposition is made of the re-
manning one-half of fines imposed by
the court in the county for violation
of certain laws, one-half of which is
paid the informer. The matter was
explained when it was stated that the
other half goes to the Bar Association
of the county for the support of the
local library of the court. Several
present took the position that the
fund, instead of being used for library
purposes, or large portion of it at
least, should be spent in helping to
pay court expenses, instead of the
court being supported wholly by di-
rect or indirect county taxation.
Line Fencing Law-Perhaps the
longest and most heated discussion of
the day grew out of the proposal to
change the present line-fencing law.
Many farmers participated in this dis
cussion due to their vital interest in
all the matter and the difficulties they
experience from various causes in pro-
tecting their crops, especially from
cattle permitted to wander and from
their inability to pay the whole cost of
a line fence about extensive areas.
All suggestions pertaining to the pro-
posed changes in the law were thor
oughly discussed and was supported
by several of those present.
During the discussion a request was
made that the present line fence law
be printed in the county papers.
The value of an equitable fencing
law was emphasized by one of the
recently elected officials of the county
who had heard the whole discussion
when he called attention to the fact by
saying: Good fences make good
neighbors; bad fences make bad
neighbors, and bad neighbors make
hell" which contribution to the dis
cussion created much merriment due
to its aptness and philosophy as re-
lated to the value of good line fenc-
ing law.
Study of State Roads Fund-A re-
quest was made by a citizen who was
supported by others present that the
members of the General Assembly
make a study of the allotments of
State road funds that have been made
during the last several years for the
purpose of learning if Garrett county
has received its full share of the fund.
The point was made by the one who
introduced the subject that he did not
know that Garrett county has not
been receiving it's full share of State
roads funds, but he was fully under
the conviction and belief that many
people in the county are of the i'm
preston that the county has not been
receiving it's proportionate share of
these funds. Therefore, he suggested,
constant rumors that such funds were
being diverted, he recommended the
study of the subject above. If, how
ever, after investigation it became ap-
parent that the rumors are based upon
facts and that the county is not re-
ceiving it's due share of State road
funds, then steps should be taken i'm
mediately to have such funds come to
the county to which it is justly en-
titled under the State roads law.
Road Engineer Advocated-Grow-
ing out of a request that snow fences
be provided along county that had
been piked by county authorities in
order that such roads be passable in
snowy weather, the need for road
engineer was pointed out and the sug-
gestion was supported by many prom
inent and influential citizens and pub
lie officials who were present. 1t was
advocated that the salary of road
engineer would be more than saved
through having funds now spent for
the upkeep of county roads spent with
a greater profit and returns as well as
the roads being better, especially to
those people who live along such
roads by having them in better and
more passable condition. One of the
number present pointed out that no
new law was necessary in this con-
nection for the employment of road
engineer to carry on the type of work
described as supervising the contrac-
tors of roads and bridges, receiving
larger returns from money expend-
ed, ETC., due to the fact that there is
a law which permits the employment
of such road engineer by the County
Commissioners. Upon request the