of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 127

there are functioning approximately seventy-five trial magistrates where
formerly two hundred and seventy-six justices of the peace held forth. Thus
at one step there was eliminated two hundred unnecessary justices, whose
income depended upon the number of cases they tried and whose practices
gave rise to a description that they were "mushroom courts. "

• Contrary to reports, which have been published, there will not be two sets
of magistrates being paid throughout the State. Almost all of the magistrates
under the old system were on a fee basis. That is to say, they were paid
according to the number of cases they tried. While, technically speaking,
their commissions may still be in force, nevertheless it is not proposed to refer
cases to them and, hence, this great majority will not have to be paid.

In order to ascertain the exact number who might have to be paid, a check-
up has just been completed by a representative of the Commission headed by
Judge Hammond Urner, formerly of the Court of Appeals, and who, with other
lawyers appointed to his Commission, prepared the bill which is now the Trial
Magistrates law. This" check-up reveals that only in thirteen instances are
salaries provided for justices under the old system, and it is not certain that
all of those thirteen will insist upon being paid, when there is no need of
work from them.

On the whole, marked improvement has already been noted in the adminis-
tration of the lower courts. By reason of an improvement in their method
of functioning, abuses which formerly were all too prevalent are now not being
observed. This improvement increases respect for the law, and, hence, is of
importance to everyone having connection with any branch of law enforcing
agencies.

BALTIMORE BAR ASSOCIATION BANQUET

Southern Hotel, December 11, 1939
Baltimore

IT is a matter of much satisfaction that many improvements in the judicial
branch of the government have been accomplished during the past year.
I mention this fact, in the presence of members of the Bar of Baltimore City,
because I am frank to admit that your Association has cooperated whole-
heartedly in these reforms. Notable among the developments, affecting the
courts, are the following:

1. Reorganization of the inferior courts, through the adoption of the
trial magistrate system in the counties and the abolition of the "fee system; "
reduction of justice courts from 276 to 75.

2. Reorganization of the Peoples Court of Baltimore City, passage of
act submitting constitutional amendment; adoption of a Conciliation Court.

3. The passage by the Legislature of act vesting rule-making power in
the Court of Appeals.

4. Improvement in the functioning of the Traffic Court of Baltimore City.

Realizing that the determining factor in an improved court procedure would
be the calibre of persons appointed, I am particularly grateful to the Bar for
their assistance in this respect. At my request, the committee of the Bar