SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 217

late P. H. Walker, Pikesville, Baltimore county. He read
law and was admitted to the bar of Charles county in 1891.
He was originally a Democrat and took an active part in
local politics up to 1891, during which time he was offered
the nomination for House of Delegates and register of wills,
also an appointment to the school board as commissioner, but
declined to accept. Convinced of the election of the Repub-
licans in 1893, the Democrats being seated, he wrote an open
letter separating all connections with the Democratic party.
He was in 1895 offered a place on the Republican ticket, but
declined, though taking an active part in the campaign that
followed. This year he received the nomination by acclama-
tion for the House of Delegates in the Republican convention.
Mr. Walbach is at present one of the commission to take
testimony. In the Legislature of 1898, Mr. Walbach had
assignments on several of the most important committees,
and on the floor took an active part in debates. In 1899, he
was again nominated by his party by acclamation, and elected
over his opponent by 773 plurality. He was the unanimous
choice of his party in caucus for Speaker of the House of
Delegates. The Democrats being largely in the majority, he
was defeated for the Speakership—but thereby became the
recognized leader of his party on the floor of the House;,
during which time he was very active in that capacity, par-
ticipating in all of the leading debates on policies affecting-
his party, as well as those affecting the interest and welfare
of the State. He was assigned a position on the Ways and
Means Committee, and was the first to introduce an anti-
trust bill. At the close of the session, his party associates,
in recognition of his services rendered as leader of his party
in the House, presented him with a handsome gold watch,
suitably inscribed.

S. SPEARMAN LANCASTER, Republican.
Mr Lancaster resides at Rock Point. He is 41 years of
age and has been largely engaged in oyster enterprises, as-
well as agricultural pursuits He was an active Democrat up
to 1803 In 1894 he joined forces with the local Republican
managers, and has since actively worked for the success of
that organization. He was appointed commander of the
oyster police boat Bessie Jones two years ago, and still holds
that position.

DORCHESTKR COUNTY— Three Members.

BENJAMIN J. LINTHICUM, Democrat.

Mr Linthicum resides at Church Creek, where he has-
extensive business interests. He was a member of the House