Evening star., 1954-10-06
Byrd Attacks
State HANDLING
.0fTunne|P|a
Says Administration
Of McKeIdin Fosters
Fovoritism, Waste
By Gene Goodwin

Oy SGWS 00V0Wu
DR.. H. c. Byrd. concentrating
his Democratic campaign for
Governor in Maryland's WASH
ington suburbs. charged last
night that Gov. McKeldin's Re-
publican administration is "rid-
died with extravaganza, favor
itism and waste"
In a statement released to
the press at a Democratic rally
in Clinton, Md, the white
thatched former University Of
Maryland president said a recent
State Roads Commission con-
tract on the proposed Baltimore
harbor tunnel substantiated his
charge.
DR.. Byrd said q former mem-
Der of the State Roads Gem
mission, David M. Nichols, and
others were given a contract by
the commission that may involve
commissions Of SIS million to
So million to buy for the State
all lands needed for the tunnel
and approach roads.
He said the agreement was
signed on June 10 between David
M. Nichols g. Co. and William
Martien & Co. and seems to be
both unnecessary, extravagant
and beyond any good reason"
Two-way Split.
The two firms, he said, viii
split 71a per cent fee for ac-
quiring about 800 pieces Of
property and securing either
temporary or permanent ease
mentS on 800 more.
At the time the contract was
signed, the commission said its
own right-of-way division could
not accomplish the job within
the allotted time--by January
because Of the pressure Of
other jobs.
DR.. Byrd said, however, that
practically all the difficult and
expensive work on the acquisi-
ton of property is to be done or
furnished" by the commission.
ut could be understood, per-
haps, why the State Roads Conn
mission would employ David M.
Nichols or the Martien COM
pany, or both, to make ap-
praisals and to negotiate pur-
chases, at fixed fee," the Demo-
cratic candidate continued.
"But it Is not understood why
the State Roads Commission.
with its large staff of right-of-
way people and its lawyers,
should enter into q contract
under which the greater the cost
Of acquisition to it, the larger
the commissions will be. 5
Cites Requirements. I'll
"And this is true even though
the State Roads Commission, in
all instances where condemna-
ton proceedings are necessary.
is required to shoulder the bur-
den and itself to conduct such
proceedings"
Mr.. Nichols, who lives at Kent
Island on the Eastern Shore, re-
signed from the commission
earlier this year. He was the
minority Democratic member on
the three-man commission and
was succeeded by Bramwell Kel-
ly. The Governor appoints the
commissioners.
DR.. Byrd made only a brief
mention Of the statement In his
speech in the Clinton fire hall
last night before TOO to 300 peo-
pie. He explained he was releas-
ing it to the press in Baltimore
and Washington and would not
take the time to discuss it in
detail at that time.
DR.. Byrd, who was scheduled
to address the Silver Spring
Women's Club at lunch today,
again accused Gov. McKeldin of
falsely claiming credit for ac-
complishments Of the previous
administration" of former Gov.
Lane, Democrat.
Urges Democratic Sweep.
He called for election of Demo-
Gratis from top to bottom in 10.
cal, State and Federal elections
so that party responsibility will
be effective.
He also told his enthusiastic
listeners that, if he's elected,
prince Georges County will not
be forgotten. Z. It will be deeply
and lastingly remembered"
That was apparently in ref
erence to a statement by former
Representative Lansdale G.. Sas-
seer of Upper Marlboro, who in
troduced DR.. Byrd and the Demo-
cratic candidate for Attorney
General, c. Ferdinand Sybert.
Mr.. Sasscer said Prince Georges
mas peen tagging DenlnQ IN
physical improvements" He
conceded that new roads are
being built, but "they are Of the
Maine to Florida expressway
type, the kind you have to drive
IA miles to get on, even though
they may run right through your
property"
Twenty-one county Democratic
candidates were introduced and
spoke briefly.
The State Senate candidate,
H. Winship Wheatley, jr., at
tackled the present Republican
Senator. John Raymond Fletcher,
and the four Republican House
members from Prince Georges
for what he termed an inability
to work together at Annapolis.
Rnv (nvinueIv In iulrnd