Evening star., 1947-03-04
Senator S Plea
Saves Rent Bill
In Maryland
Plan to Let Banks
Close on Saturdays
Goes to Governor
By ]. B. Zotmon
Stor Stnn coyrsxnondsnt

sfor Siaff Correspondent
ANNAPOLIS, Mar. 4.-The con-
troversial proposal to create a rent
control act for Maryland was still
alive today after being saved from
defeat in the Senate last night by
an impassioned one-hour speech OF
its sponsor, Senator Daniel Ellison
Republican, Of the 4th Baltimore
district.
BY a vote OF 10 to 10, the Senate
approved motion by Senator ELI
son to substitute his bill for an un-
favorable report by. the Judiciary
Committee.
The measure then was sent back
to committee where 1t will be
amended before coming up for final
Earlier, the Senate passed and
sent to the Governor a bill permit
ting banks to close on Saturdays
In all but seven counties. A meas
ure authorizing the Governor to
set up commission to operate clin-
les for alcoholic, II funds can be
found, also was passed and sent to
the House.
Bond Issue Approved.
Also sent to the Governor were
bills authorizing the Washington
Suburban Sanitary Commission to
issue not more than 100000 in
bonds to complete the Montgomery
County incinerator and to abolish
the Montgomery County Board of
Assessment.
Among bills introduced in the
Senate were two by Senator P. G
Stromberg, Democrat, of Howard
County.
One provides for the suspension
or dismissal of State, county or city
employees who strike. The other
would prohibit the checkof of un-
ion dues for any public employe.
The House received a State sales
tax, bill identical with one intro
duced last Friday in the Senate. 1t
provides for a 2 per cent tax on
certain retail sales in the State.
Meanwhile, it was learned that
Gov. Lanes message on a five-year
road program, including proposal
to build bridge across Chesapeake
Bay, Is expected to be delivered
Thursday before a joint session of
the Legislature.
Ellison Starts Sharp Debate.
Senator Ellison's motion precip-
itated the longest debate of the 1947
session in either house.
For almost two hours, opposing
arguments echoed on the Senate
floor while a crowded gallery fire.
quently interrupted the speakers by
applauding those who supported the
rent control bill.
In his plea, Senator Ellison en-
phasized that the measure would
take effect only If Federal rent con-
trolls are lifted.
It-applies only to residential prop
erty, he explained, and would ex-
pire 2 years after its enactment.
3-Member Commission Provided.
The bill provides for the appoint
ment by the Governor of a three
member commission to administer
the act. The commission could make
adjustments in rent ceilings and
could give relief to landlords in dis
tress, Senator Ellison pointed out.
The Baltimore Senator argued
that the bill would not be State
wide, since the law would be effec-
tive only in areas deemed critical
by the commission.
Senator Ellison predicted that if
rent controls are lifted in Baltimore
there would be bloodshed, because
veterans would refuse to be evicted
If they were unable to pay higher
rents.
Also voicing support of the bill
was Senator George w. Della, DEM
ocrat, of the sixth Baltimore district
On the other hand, Senator Will
liam P. Bolton, Democrat, of Balti-
more County, chairman of the Judi
ciary Committee, contended that
thousands of apartments in Balti-
more have been taken off the market
because of rent control.
Denies Housing Emergency.
In denying the existence of q
housing emergency, Senator Bolton
declared: LET the builders alone
and there will be no housing short
age.
Senator L. Harold Sothoron, DEM
ocrat of Prince Georges County
Senate majority leader, maintained
that the problem is one of more
housing, not more controls.
Senator Wilmer c. Carter, Demo-
crat, of the Sd Baltimore district,
said the bill should be amended to
provide for fixed percentage in
crease in rents. He contended the
present rent control law works q
hardship on small landlords.
The bill setting up.a commission
on alcoholism gives the Governor
discretionary authority to include
100000 in the budget for the group.
The commission is empowered to
arrange for and supervise clinics
for alcoholics at Johns Hopkins and
the University of Maryland Hos
pitals in Baltimore, a third in West
ern Maryland and fourth on the
Eastern Shore.
Counties coming under provisions
OF the bank bill include Montgom-
cry, Prince Georges and Calvert.
The measure is not mandatory, but
would permit banks to close on Sat-
urdays.
Realty Board Will Discuss
I.u Dill. L. N.s>