The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1935-02-28
GOVERNOR ASKS PUBLIC
TO BACK BOARD INQUIRY
Flags Partisan Fight On Plans
In Fireside Chat; Cites Huge
Deficits and Closed Banks
LISTS REASONS IN DETAIL

eminent had been handed" him "cha-
otto, disorganized and financially ill'
and appealed to Maryland citizens to
support his demands that the legisla-
ture authorize an investigation into all
State departments and all banks
forced to close.
The governor listed in detail the
reason why he felt such an investiga-
ton was necessary and attacked bit
terly "partisanship," which he said
might oppose it. AS to the citizens, he
said:
"If you oppose it, X X frankly
notify the general assembly, and if
you favor it, please, without hesita-
fancy say so. feel that this is the
drum beat to arms. May 1 hope that
your answer will be clear, unmistaka-
bly, and pronouncedly in favor of an
investigation.
"When the administration of Mary
land affairs was turned over to me-"
the Republican governor asserted,
tx X the State was in financial dis
tress. 1t was for the moment fnanci-
ally affected to the point of danger, x x
X in word, the State government was
handed over to me chaotic, disorgani-
zed and financially i'll.
Charges Partisan Criticism
81 do not propose - be charged now
or hereafter with the responsibility of
this altogether inexcusable condition
of affairs. 1t is plainly to be seen that
very deliberate, unjustifable and
patiently partisan plan or scheme of
destructive criticism is being inaugu-
rated for the lily concealed purpose of
saddling upon my shoulders this re-
sponsibility for the inefficiency and the
Encouragement of previous admins
trations.
"xx X during the campaign for the
governorship, X this serious con-
dition of the States finances was, with
elaboration, care and artifce, dis
guised and concealed. The financial
condition of the State was falsely rep
resented as one of unique strength and
excellence. The people were wilfully
deceived by both suppression and mis-
representation of the truth.
The Governor, who defeated in the
last election and succeeded last Janu-
airy Albert C. Richie, nationally
known Democrat at the head of the
States government, spoke over radio
station VIDAL. He addressed the peo-
pie of the State in what he previously
announced as a "fre-side talk" on
State affairs.
Determined To Keep Pledge
Continuing his address, Governor
Nice said:
"The revelations since the election
have intensified a hundredfold the
pledge 1 made and the obligation I as
sumed to the people of Maryland to in
quire into and ascertain for them the
true circumstances and conditions of
the State government and its admins
tration. Here is State govern
ment afflicted with every ailment and
malady which evil administration and
a partisan press could, through long
term of years accumulate upon
it. In all its faculties it is in pri-
walton and want"
The Governor pointed out that he
had had introduced into the legisla-
ture bill calling for a three-man COM
mission to be appointed by him to
make such Investigations. Continuing
he said:
81 am determined to keep my pledge
to them and execute their mandate to
me x. In the face, however, of the
selfish and partisan influences which
are opposing the fulfillment of my
pledge and the execution of the peo-
pies mandate, I cannot carry out this
most highly important and vital pub
lie service unless the people of the
State, rising wholly above all partisan
and political motives and prejudices,
give me their wholehearted and out
spoken support.
"The promised investigation shall be
carried out not only in a thorough-go-
ing manner x but also in an hon
est, impartial, non-partisan and non
vindictive spirit. Xxx 1 do not want
a persecution of anybody"
Belittles Expense
Details of the proposed investiga-
ton were given by the Governor in his
talk.
Gone of the pretended grounds of
opposition to this investigation is its
expense" the Governor said. "That ex.
pense is comparatively small.
"Among the evils calling loudly fol
investigation are deficits amounting tC
millions of dollars. Other prevailing
evils are paralysis of normal public
service, inefficiency of particularly i'm
portant administrative departments
and general debility of the functions
of the State. Xxx Compare the cost;
r