The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1939-04-14
Legislation Passed By
General Assembly
Industrial And Judiciary Re-
forms, Budget Balancing
--Other Achievements

Annapolis, April 1O-The 1889
Legislature is history, but its ac-
compl shments will live on, to help
or plague the State, in proportion to
the soundness or lack OF soundness
incorporated in the more than 700
hills that were passed, and are now
awaiting the signature of Governor
Hebert O'Consr
That Governor O'Conor considers
the work of the legislators we'll
done. is evidenced by definite state
ment, after a review of the admin
istration-sp- nsored and other leg
islation passed, that: Il consider
that the General Assembly of 1899
has written upon the statute books
of this state more sound and pro-
gressive legislation than has ever
before been enacted in me session IN
the history of Maryland"
Governor O'Conor at the same
time paid tribute to the members OF
the General Assembly for their con-
scientious service, in which he in
cluded the members of the minority
party who in many instances, he de-
clared, disregarded party considera-
lions in supporting what they
thought best Tor the State.
Improved Industrial Relations
There should be cause for genuine
satisfaction, contends G vernon
O'Conor, over the passage Of labor
legislation affecting relations be-
tween employers and employees, not
least am -ng which is the changed
set-up in the Office of the Commits
8 .oner of Labor and Statistics. This
official must now give his full time
to the duties of his Office, and the
new legislation will assure improv-
ed functioning of the office in the
adjustment of disputes between
workers and employers.
Reorganization of the State In
dustrial Accident Commission will
insure prompt consideration and de-
cision upon workmen's claims. un-
der the new law there will be three
associate members of the Commits
sion. each authorized to hear AMI
determine cases arising under the
Workmen's Compensation law.
which will make it possible to con-
duct more frequent hearings in var
ions parts OF the State. therefore,,
such hearings had to wait until a
majority Of the Commission could
be present.
The Workmen's Compensation
Law also has been amended so as TO
provide benefits for those who con-
tract occupational diseases by rea-
son of their employment. This will
greatly increase the number OF per-
sons to receive the benefits OF the
CONDENSATION Law. The enactment
of these changes carries out the
campaign pledge made by Governor
O,Conor, and will operate to the adj
vantage of great number OF work
ers who hitherto have not received
protection under the law. Laws
providing for greater safety msa-
sures in mines. and for better in
spectioR OF mine weights and mea-
sures, also will help this large class
of workers in the western part OF
the State.
Judicial Reforms Accomplished
From a county standpoint aboli-
ton of the old justice of the peace
system with magistrates paid on the
obsolete fee method, and srbstitu-
ton ef~ some rs trial magistrates,
located at convenient points
throughout the counties, and paid by
the various counties, will bring last
ing benefits to the State, Governor
O'Conor is convinced. BY the sharp
reduction in the number OF such
magistrates, and by the salaries to
be paid the new magistrates, Coy
ernor O'Conor is confident much
higher ealibre of magistrates can be
found, with consequent benefit to
every citizen of the State.
Fiscal Program Important
The most vital problem that fac
ed the state at the outset Of his ad-
ministration, in Governor O'Conor's
opinion, was that OF reestablishing
the States finances on a sound
foundation, To do this involved
seven distinct major undertakings,
to wit.
list: The adoption OF budget
which would appropriate sufticient
funds to meet all actual Govern
mental necessities, but would elm
mate adj nOn-essentials:
End Abandonment of the prac-
tice of borrowing to meet current
obligations.
3rd: Restoration 10 full to the
roads system of the counties and the
State Of the $4,000, 900 a year which
has, for some years, been diverted
to meet the costs of other activities.
4th; Recognition Of the States
obligation in the matter Of general
public assistance. old-age assistance,
aid to the blind and to dependent
children, etc., and further recogna-
~. s..ocoa~,a flo fact that tha