14	REPORT  WITH RECOMMENDATIONS  OF
Under the separate coach law city travel is not affected. Managers of city railway lines have been able to convince the Legislature that such restrictions as provided under the Act of 1904 would be intolerable, greatly increasing costs and causing annoyance to white and colored passengers. Citizens of the counties can well afford to profit by the experience of the city. In these days of the rapid abandonment of farm lands, with the resultant loss in their products, common sense would seem to justify the removal of causes of friction and misunderstanding. The cities have found it pays to be democratic. Under all natural laws it would seem that the open
country should be even more democratic than city life.
*.-.-..—
Notwithstanding the race alarmists who have appeared from time to time, the history of Maryland shows no period when the Negroes have been a menace to the peace and welfare of the State. They have shown gratitude for benefits received without revenge for wrongs suffered. If the Legislature of 1904 was moved to enact a Separate Coach law for reasons that seemed to justify the Act, it is clear that our public schools, the effect of good roads, and the general progress of the colored people have removed any causes that could be advanced as excuses for retaining this law.
RECOMMENDATION No. 4
That the Act of 1904, and any other Acts relative thereto prescribing regulations for the separation of white and colored passengers on public carriers be repealed and the authority to regulate such travel be placed with the Public Service Commission.