The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1936-02-20
SALES TAX IS PROPOSED
COMMISSIONERS ARE TOLD
CONTINUED from Page One)

CONTINUED from Page Ope)
ment's 5 per cent contribution to ad-
ministrative costs be deducted the
state should pay two-thirds of the bal
ance and the counties and Baltimore
city one-third. Stewart pointed out
that at present the counties would
have to carry the entire administra-
tive cost.
Former Senator L. Creston Beau
champ (Rep. Somerset) favored the
administration of relief by the coun-
ties asserting that they could edo it
better and do it cheaper" He said the
funds should come from three sources
federal, state and county.
Senator Olin R. Higgins dem. Dor
chester) pointed out that under the
social security act the federal govern
ment would only give funds for old
age pensions to a central state agency
such as the Board of State Aid Chart
ties. He said to set up separate coun-
ty relief committees would be dupli-
cation as the state board also must be
maintained to secure these funds.
81 think with proper effort by the
citizens of the state and counties we
can improve the standard of relief"
he said. 81 don't think we can get
away from one central state agency.
81 think there are more on relief
than should be and think those inter-
viewing some cases are unable to dis
tinguish between a real relief case
and standard of living. think that
the present set-up can be improved"
Stewart then asked if the state
policy of refusing old age pensions to
a single person with a $1,000 or more
equity in property, or to couple with
a $4,000 or more property equity, was
fair. After hearing the ensuing dis
cussion he summed it up by stating
that the general feeling was that each
county should regulate it's own prop
erty standards.
H. B. Messenger, of fredericksburg,
who recently filed for the Republican
nomination for Congress from the
First Maryland District, pointed out
that the old age pension law as writ
ten discriminates against the thrifty
and tended to discourage thrift. He
said that a person who never saved
would fare as we'll or better at the age
of sixty than thrifty man who by
hard work managed to accumulate a
little property.
Commissioner Nelson w. Russler,
of Allegany county, endorsed Mes
senger's position. Lane declared that
some standard was necessary although
it might work hardship in some
cases.
Senator Higgins pointed out that
some minor changes would have to
be made by the legislature in the
states old age pension law to make
it conform with the federal act. He
said changes would also have to be
made in the act broadening the pow
ers of the Board of State Aid and
Charities.
In urging the commissioners to re-
quest Henry Greenstein to remain in
his post as State Relief Administrator,
Stewart declared that he didn't be-
lieve there is another man in Mary
land who can fill his job" David W.
Sloan, attorney to the Allegany coun-
ty board, was appointed to draft an
appropriate resolution to be presented
to Greenstein.
The Western Shore commissioners
are on record as favoring the expendi-
ture of funds allocated to the counties
from the one and one-half cent portion
Of the four cent gasoline tax by the
commissioners, rather than the state
roads commission. Lane said he would
seek the opinion of the Eastern Shore
commissioners on the subject.