count of injuries sustained by his workmen, great and un-
necessary cost is now incurred in litigation, which cost is
borne by the workmen, the employers and the taxpayers, in
part, in the maintenance of courts and juries to determine the
question of responsibility under the law as it now exists; and

Whereas, In addition thereto, the State and its taxpayers
are subjected to a heavy burden in providing care and sup-
port for such injured workmen and their dependents, which
burden should, in so far as may be consistent with the rights
and obligations of the people of the State, be more fairly dis-
tributed as in this Act provided; and

Whereas, The common law system governing the remedy of
workmen against employers for injuries received in extra-
hazardous work is inconsistent with modern industrial con-
ditions; and injuries in such work, formerly occasional, have
now become frequent and inevitable.

Now, Therefore, The State of Maryland, exercising herein
its police and sovereign power, declares that all phases of
extra-hazardous employments be, and they are hereby with-
drawn from private controversy, and sure and certain relief
for workmen injured in extra-hazardous employments and
their families and dependents are hereby provided for, re-
gardless of questions of fault and to the exclusion of every
other remedy, except as provided in this Act.

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Mary-
land, That a Commission is hereby created, which shall be
known as. the State Industrial Accident Commission, to be
composed of three Commissioners. Immediately upon the tak-
ing effect of this Act, the Governor shall appoint such Com-
missioners (not more than two of whom. shall belong to the
same political party). One of them shall hold office for the
first two years, another for the first four years, and another
for the first six years following the passage and approval of
this Act. Thereafter the term shall be six years. Each Com-
missioner shall devote his entire time to the duties of the office,
and shall not hold any position of trust or engage in any oc-
cupation or business interfering or inconsistent with his duties
as such Commissioner, or serve on or under any committee of
a political party. Each Commissioner shall hold office until
his successor shall be appointed and shall have qualified.
Vacancies shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired
term. A decision on any question arising under this Act con-
curred in by two of the Commissioners shall be the decision