142 State Papers and Addresses

The program in vocational work, in agriculture, home economics, and in-
dustrial education was expanded and a definite program of safety education
has been carried on among the school children, the bus drivers, and other
persons connected with the safety of our children.

In fulfillment of my campaign promise to allow no outside consideration
to govern the selection of members of the State Board of Education, the one
appointment I had the opportunity of making during the year resulted in re-
taining the valuable services of Chairman Tasker G. Lowndes. The fact that
he is a Republican did not deter me from appointing him.

It is doubtful whether any single change affecting the legislative branch
of the government has been made in Maryland comparable to the creation
this year of the Legislative Council. Heretofore in the long intervals between
the biennial sessions of the General Assembly no active work was done by the
members of the Legislature. ,

Now, through this mechanism of the Legislative Council, there is func-
tioning a well-selected group from both houses of the General Assembly,
representing both parties and giving continuing attention, between sessions
of the Legislature, to the various important questions eventually to come
before the Legislature.

Incidentally, the Council held one of its regular meetings today in An-
napolis and will continue regularly hereafter, with the result that, when the
Legislature meets in session next year, there will be ready a definite program
already passed upon by the "key" members of the General Assembly and there
will have been discarded many of the questions which otherwise would engage
the attention of the whole body. Time will be saved, money will be saved and
the character of legislation will be improved as a result of this innovation in
Maryland's legislative system.

In the very important matter of Conservation, it is possible to report
definite progress. The Conservation Commission has clearly demonstrated its
ability to improve conditions affecting the commercial fisheries of the State, and
already has been instrumental in bringing about betterment both in the crab
and oyster industries by a strict enforcement of the law. Conditions among
the oystermen of the State, as a result of the Commission's activities, have
been better this season than for many years, and the well-conceived and compre-
hensive program upon which the Commission is launched would seem to guaran-
tee further advancement.

The State Game and Inland Fish Commission has developed a splendid
program to increase the supply of game and fish for the sportsmen of our
State. Among other things, nine wildlife sanctuaries or game refuges, have
been established, where the wild-life will have an opportunity to propagate
free of molestation.

A forward-looking move by the Conservation Commission, looking to joint
action with the Conservation authorities of Virginia and North Carolina, is
underway, and ultimately should benefit the State in many ways. One very
important matter to be undertaken jointly is the restoration of the Chesapeake
shad fishery.

Reflecting the thought that has been given to the problem of restoring
the woodlands of our State, the sum of $100, 000 was allotted in our State Budget
for the purpose of improving and developing forest preserves, parks, and rec-
reational areas.