The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1941-03-13
MOVE MADE FOR
Limit TO STATE
SURPLUS FUNDS
$2,00O,OOO Ceiling For Surplus
Sought in Move of Legislature
to Reduce Maryland Taxes

After the Senate let two highly
controversial bills die in committee
and wrangled over judges pensions,
the House of Delegates last night
passed legislation to reorganize the
Court of Appeals.
By an SO to Is vote, the lower
chamber sent to the Senate a bill to
create six-judge Appellate Court,
four members to come from the coun-
ties and two from Baltimore city. A
companion measure passed provides
for the nomination of the judges.
Two Million Ceiling
Legislation to place a 100000
ceiling" on the states surplus and
to dedicate SURPRISES over this amount
to reduce the state real estate tax was
proposed in the legislature last night.
introduced by Senators Philip Dor
sey d., St. Mary's) and John Funk
d., Frederick, the bill provides that
the Board of Public Works may, in
its discretion, apply such SURPRISES
for the fiscal years 1941 and 1912 to
reduce the states bonded Indebtedness
in the fiscal years 1912 and 1913.
Would Lower Tax Rate
If the states debt was cut in this
manner, Governor OConor would be
directed to issue a proclamation low
prinp thn state taX rate
Caught in parliamentary snag
following filibuster over a Potomac
river oyster bill, legislation to ban the
Sunday sale of alcoholic beverages
and to repeal the declaration of in
tentions act died in the Senate. Spon-
sors of the measures, however, imme-
diately introduced similar bills.
The Senate got further behind by
postponing action on other controver-
sial legislation. On the court bill the
judicial proceedings committee re-
turned an unfavorable report on bill
to repeal the right of judges to issue
court orders waving the forty eight
hour delay in the issuance of mar
riage licenses. A companion bill to
strengthen the marriage law was re-
ported out favorably by the commit
tee. 1t provides that any person max
ing a false statement to assist an
other person in obtaining a marriage
permit through a court order would
be guilty of perjury. The bill to wipe
out court orders permitting couples
to be married right away was made
special order of business Monday
morning. The judges pension bill
which would increase pensions of re-
tired judges from $2,400 year up to
$4,000 will be voted upon Tuesday.
Senator Kimble, Allegany county, at
tackled the legislation as vicious and
discriminating.
Another proposal to enable the
state board of correction to permit
prisoners at the House of Correction
to work on farms was made a special
order of business for 1890 Friday.
Meanwhile Governor O'Conor
pressed for favorable action on the
administrations prohibitory fireworks
legislation. He disapproved an amend
ment authorizing the State insurance
commissioner to issue permits for
"safe" fireworks He asked that it be
passed in its original form. The bill
is slated for action tomorrow.
Conservation Discussed
Conservation figured largely in leg
islative proceedings, with Senator
Louis N. Phipps d., Anne ArundeD
making the most far-reaching move
by introducing resolution to abolish
the present Conservation Commission.
Phipps proposed that control and
supervision of oyster, crab and tide
waite fisheries be vested instead in
the board of public works, which he
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