Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1935-03-01
EX-GOVERNOR
RITCHIE FLAYS
GOVERNOR NICE
Asserts Maryland Has A Cover.
nor Who Fails To Measure
Up To Requirements
ADVISES LEGISLATURE TO
SEEK CITIZENS ADVICE


velopment in line of legislative doings,
was the speech of Ex-Governor Richie
at the dinner of the Second District,
held at the Lord Baltimore hotel on
Tuesday evening.
Evidently, Mr.. Richie has been
somewhat peeved by Governor Nice's
disposition to shirk the responsibility
of a states chief officer, and to lay
at the feet of the former Democratic
head, all the financial ills that Mary
land seems to be heir to. Mr.. Richie,
no doubt, resents Mr.. Nice's statement
as to absence of co-operatiin in a
Democratic legislature and insinuates
that this charge is only to cover up a
lack Of administrative ability by the
present Governor.
Mr.. Richie opposes the appropria-
ton of $4,000 for an investigation
of the previous administration, on the
ground that all the media of informa-
ton are opened to Mr.. Nice, and these
will soon be controlled by Republican
heads, appointees of Mr.. Nice. These
should, by no means be 10th to submit
all necessary data.
The plan to improve the mansion
at cost of $4,000 is also attacked
by Mr.. Richie. He does not approve
of Victorian building giving way to
a colonial one and claims that the
Governors prediction utterances as
to economy have all gone to waste.
But the most scathing criticism of
Mr.. Richie is revealed in his blunt
assertion that Mr.. Nice is entirely
wanting in policies; that "for the
first time in my recollection, the State
is without a Governor who makes an
effort to function" Mr.. Nice has, ap-
parently thrown all responsibility on
the members of the legislature. This
was not the case when Mr.. Richie
held the reins of government. Legis-
lators had a master hand at the helm,
and when he put his energies on fl
nancial problems, the General Assem-
bly, had little to do but confirm his
work. And this was no servile obe-
dience to a Democratic martinez: it
was recognition of an ability above
the ordinary and an acceptance of
rulings which the representatives
knew could not be improved upon.
While Mr.. Richie disclaims any de-
sire to interfere, still the following
remarks by him are significant:
81 have not the slightest wish to
interject myself into this situation.
I fully realize that this task was en-
trusted by the people to others. I am
content that they should perform it.
The only thing I do want is to see
that Democratic Legislature fulfill not
only it's rightful responsibilities but
also responsibilities thrust. upon it
by executive inaction, with. credit to
the party and credit to the State.
"The task I have indicated affects
vitality the financial, economic and So
cial life and well being of, our peo-
pie. and am entirely confident that
the members of the Legislature can
readily command the counsel of citi-
xens who are interested enough IN the
Democratic party and in the State, to
give umemittingly of their time and
labor in cooperating with the Legisla-
ture, should the majority leaders there
think this might contribute something
helpful in determining the best way
out of this emergency"
Mr.. Richie is one of the "citizens''
of the state; no one is more capable
of contributing something helpful in
determining the best way out of this
"emergency;"' and it is easy 10 under
stand how well justified the Legisla-
ture would be in calling upon him for
advice.
Mr.. Nice has, apparently. no JUS
LITIGATION for his claim of q nom CO.
operating assembly. The Republican
floor leader of the House recently de-
MED this and avowed that all We're
playing ball" to win for the state
the very best government possible.
The whole situation seems to show
very conclusiveN that Maryland is
sadly in need Of an Albert q. Richie.
One of Mr.. Nice's pet prediction
propositions has gone on the rocks.
(Continued ON PaOe all