Evening star., 1942-12-18
Plan
For War Council
'DrawsFire
'&
Legislators Opposed;
Steering Unit O. KS
$500 Stote Bonus
Ey the Associated Press.

Ey the Associated Press.
BALTIMORE, Dec. IA proposal
made to the Legislative Council that
q Maryland war council" be created
and given power to suspend legis-
lative actions deemed detrimental to
the war effort appeared headed for
stormy course today.
Hardly had Hall Hammond, deputy
attorney general, completed presen-
tation of the proposed bill to the
Legislative Council before several
members expressed firm opposition
to it.
Discussion of the war council
bill was limited by Acting Chairman
Thomas E. Conlon to a few words,
but afterward some of the legislators
said they were opposed to anything
which would nullify their legislative
rights.
Mr.. Hammond contended the bill
would abridge no constitutional au-
thority," and when he was asked why
such authority could not be dele
gated to the Governor he said he
understood the Governor does not
want such power"
Composition Planned.
Mr.. Hammond said the proposed
council would be composed of the
attorney general, one member each
from the Senate and the House Of
Delegates and four representatives
of such public groups as labor. in
dustry and agriculture.
After = day of considering the
war council" proposal, a new
small loans bill, Conservation
Commission bill and several other
matters, the Legislative Council
issued a 124-page manual of its
labors. A supplement will be ready
for the General Assembly when it
convenes January 6.
The report contained the coun-
cn's recommendations on legisla-
after more than
60 public hearings and council
meetings. The council began its
work May 6, 1941.
The council agreed unanimously
yesterday to sponsor a joint reso-
luton in the Assembly next month
providing a $500 bonus in 1943 for
all State employees. including school
teachers now receiving less than
5000 annually.
Only employees Of State institu-
tions. who recently received q SIS
monthly, wage boost, would not
benefit, { 4rom the bonus. Gov.
O'Conor announced last week he
would ask the Assembly for the
bonus to ENSURE the continued
service Of State eIASaoyee" many
of whom were resisping to4Accept
highen paying war Industry sobs.
Provides TIVE Payments
The proposal was offered by Dele
gate John S. White, Democrat, Of
Prince Georges and would provide
that 500 be paid State employees
February l and June I.
Senator Robert B. Kimble, Repub-
lican, of Alegany said he would urge
the Legislature to pay the entire
$500 February !, declaring the State
workers had earned bonus, and it
will help them meet their income
taxes and other expenses" next
spring.
Some members said later that the
council had reached an agreement
last October" on paying the bonus,
but had withheld announcement
for political reasons" They added,
however. that since the Governor
had made the announcement last
week the council felt 1t should 60 on
record.
Senator Wilmer Fell Davis, Re-
publican, Of Caroline estimated the
bonus-to be taken from the 50, ,OO0,-
600 State treasury surplus - would
cost about 81, ,4O0,0 900. OF this school
teachers would receive approximate
ly $1,000, 900 and other State en-
ployes 5000