Evening star., 1935-02-26
NICE ASKS VOTERS
TO BACK POLICIES
Scores Democrats for "SeIf.
ish" Opposition to
Probe Plans.
BY the Associated Press.

Sy the Associated Press.
ANNAPOLIS, February 26.-Gov.
Nice today awaited the reaction of
Maryland citizens tc his appeal that
they make clear to every member
Of the General Assembly" their opin-
ion on his proposed State department
and bank investigation.
His drum beat to arms" sounded
in broadcast from Baltimore last
night, brought quick answer in the
House of Delegates to the Governors
assertion that selfish and partisan in
fluences" opposed fulfllment of his
'pledge to the peoples mandate"
Delegates Kent R. Mullikin of
Prince Georges County and Thomas
L. Popp, floor leaders, respectively, of
the Democratic and Republican par
ties, both declared the majority party
was cooperating with the Republican
Governor.
Defends Democrats.
The Governor accused the Demo-
cratic majority of the Legislature of
partisanship Of the rankest sort" Null
likin said. II think we have CO.
operated with the Governor.
Il think the people of Maryland
ought to know that the Democratic
party IS playing ball for the good of
the State. I think he the Gov
ernor) is crying before he's hurt"
Delegate Popp brought a burst Of
applause with his quiet assertion:
THE minority party does appre-
ciate the cooperation which has been
shown by the majority I believe we
all work together as good citizens of
the State Of Maryland
The Governor took TO the radio in
an effort to crystalize, through the
means Of "fireside talk" sentiment
in favor Of his bill asking s15O,O0O
and three-man commission to probe
the banking situation and agencies of
the previous administration.
After placing the blame for the
States present troubles on the regime
that preceded his election, voicing
criticism of the burdens that admin
istration had bequeathed him, and
marking the partisan influences" he
said were working against him, the
Governor said
II firmly believe that the members
OF the General Assembly are not only
entitled, but are most desirouS of
knowing your views on this subject
OF investigation.
Drum Beat to Arms.
Therefore, let me repeat and re-
peat and repeat again, my request
that you Immediately begin telephon-
ing. telegraphing, writing, and, If pos
slble, visiting Annapolis in person or
in groups, in order that you may
make clear to every member of the
General Assembly your opinion and
desires in connection with the pas
sage of the investigation bill.
Il feel that this is the drum beat
to arms"
Not long after this appeal went on
the air, Delegate Mullikin was saying
on the floor of the House of Dele
gates:
when the ways and Means)
Committee takes the measure up, we
will give it full consideration and If
We feel that we can find reasonable
grounds for a reasonable investiga-
ton, we may grant it.
However, we will not act under the
influence Of fear and partisanship."
Gov. Nice said:
when the administration of Mary
land affairs was turned over to me,
the State was in financial distress.
1t was for the moment financially af-
fected to the point of danger. In a
word, the State department was
handed over to me chaotic, disorgan-
lied and financially i'll.
"I do not propose to be charged
now or hereafter with the response
bility 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 inaugurated for the
lily concealed purpose of saddling
upon my shoulders this responsibility
for the inefhciency and mismanage-
ment of previous administrations"
Among the evils calling loudly for
investigation" he said, "are deficits
amounting to millions Of dollars" in
efficiency in important departments
and "a general debility Of the func-
tions of the State"
He argued that the benefits to be
derived from an honest, impartial,
non-partisan, non-vindictive" investi-
cation without persecution of any
body" would more than compensate
for the expense, which he said was
lone of the pretended grounds Of op-
position" to the investigation.