The Bureau of Mines was created in the State Board of Labor and
Statistics by the General Assembly of 1922. The Chief Mine Engineer
was appointed by the Governor from a list of eligibles prepared by
the State Employment Commissioner. The Act became effective October
1, 1922.

The Act was prepared by a special commission appointed by the Gov-
ernor and supersedes the several local laws which governed mining
operations in this State prior to the enactment of this law.

The Act makes provision for the inspection, sanitation, ventilation
and safeguarding of all the operations connected with mining. Pro-
vision is also made for the weighing of all coal mined in the State.

It is the duty of the Chief Mine Engineer to enforce all provisions
of the Act. He is given the authority to make and enforce necessary
rules and regulations in connection with the enforcement of the Act
and the operation of the mines. (Ch. 307, 1922.)

There was created in this Act in the Bureau of Mines a State Mine
Examining Board with powers to examine and pass upon the qualifica-
tions of applicants for certificates of competency as mine foremen,
assistant mine foremen, and fire bosses. The first examination under
this Act was held by the Board at Frostburg, Maryland, January 23rd
to 27th, 1923. The personnel of the Mine Examining Board is as fol-
lows :

G. M. Gillette Frostburg, Md.; representing Maryland Coal Operators.
Lawrence Dunn, Midland, Md.; representing Maryland Coal Miners.
John J. Rutledge, Chairman Ex-officio; representing State of Mary-
land,

THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EMPLOYMENT AND REGISTRATION

22 Light Street, Baltimore.

Name. Postoffice.

Commissioner:
Oliver C. Short.....................................................................................................Baltimore

Chief: Clerk:
Miss Ann V. Burke..................................................................Baltimore

Stenographers:

Miss Florence M. C. Hartmaier.........................................................Baltimore
Miss Mildred Medinger................................................................................. Baltimore

(Term of Commissioner expires 1926. Employees are in the Classified
Service. )

The Governor, without Senate confirmation, appoints one State Em-
ployment Commissioner for a term of six years from October 1, 1920.
(Ch. 41, 1920.)

The State Employment Commissioner is charged with putting into
effect and administering the Merit System Law of the State. The law
gives the Commissioner general control of employment and personnel
matters so far as the classified service is concerned. On September 30,
1922, the end of the second fiscal year of the Commission, of a total
number of 3,102 employees in the State Service, 1,681 were included in
the classified service. The classified service was extended by executive
order January 15, 1023, so as to include approximately 2,750 employees.