of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 141

In the various Counties we have been fortunate in securing the services
of competent men, many of whom have been recommended by members of the
Bar and outstanding citizens. As a further step toward safe-guarding the
important interests of the higher judiciary, I have publicly invited the Maryland
State Bar Association to devise a plan for the submission of recommendations
of judges for the higher courts to fill vacancies as they may occur. In antici-
pation of the retirement of capable judges who have been instrumental in
bringing our courts to their present high estate, I took this initial step in
order that the combined judgment of leading lawyers from all over Maryland
would be available in the selection of successors to the judges of our highest
courts.

Because of its relationship to court cases mention might be made here of
the changes effected in regard to the Coroner system. For years, particularly
in Baltimore City, harsh criticism was heard as to the out-moded methods
followed in the continuation of the Coroner system, but little or nothing was
ever done about it.

During this year the Coroner system has been abolished and in its place
there has been set up a group of medical examiners whose method of function-
ing has been established along the lines suggested by the medical profession
and designed to afford expert and technical service in the most approved
manner.

During the past year Maryland has extended its excellent program of
education. One of the most important accomplishments was the enactment of
a new teachers' salary schedule, which took effect in September. This new
scale is one of the most modern in the Country, in that it is based upon prepara-
tion rather than position, and extends the number of years during which incre-
ments for experience may be earned.

At the request of the Maryland Congress of Parents and Teachers and
the County Superintendents of Schools, the Legislature also provided for a
survey of the State School System for the purpose of determining the next
steps in the State's educational progress.

High school enrollment in both white and colored schools of the counties
increased 2, 433 during the year to a total of 41, 204, and additional teachers were
provided to take care of this increased enrollment. Several new colored high
schools were started. The program of educational and vocational guidance
was considerably extended, and provisions for mentally handicapped children
were increased.

The number of one-room schools was decreased during the year to 260 for
the white and 233 for the colored, a reduction of 38 from the preceding year.
The elimination of small schools and continued program of consolidation has
meant an increase in transportation facilities and the necessary financial aid
was provided for these facilities.

There was considerable increase in opportunities for mentally handicapped
children. The number of classes was increased from 34 to 59, and the 23 ad-
ditional teachers were provided for in the Governor's budget.

In the field of physical education an Assistant State Supervisor for girls
was appointed.

For the first time in the history of Maryland, there was provision in the
State Budget for adult education and night school classes. The sum of $10, 000
has been appropriated for this work. To date 80 classes have been started.