320 State Papers and Addresses

some chronic ailment. Some of these individuals are now in county homes.
The report of the Commission recommends that two chronic disease hospitals,
with provisions for care of infirmary cases, be erected in the State; one on the
Eastern Shore and one on the Western Shore. Admission to these institutions
must be approved by the Boards of County Commissioners of the counties of
which the patients are residents.

It is recommended that the State construct the buildings and that the
counties pay 75 cents per day for the care of those patients sent to these
hospitals: that the State bear the additional cost of maintenance: and that
the administration of the hospitals be placed in the Board of Welfare, which
would have the advice of the competent group of hospital and medical authori-
ties. The Boards of County Commissioners also would be represented on the
Boards of Visitors for the two State institutions. The matter of adequate care
for chronically ill persons has for many years been of concern to the people of
the State and various investigating commissions have inquired into the matter,
but no action has heretofore been taken. I commend to you the report of the
Commission for your favorable consideration.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

It has been apparent for some time that much could be accomplished in the
field of Juvenile Delinquency if a study of this problem could be made with
a view to adopting the best corrective procedure possible.

In line with this thought, I appointed several months ago a Commission
on Juvenile Delinquency to make such a study, and to report their findings to
your body during this session.

It is hardly necessary to point out the great benefits that will accrue to
the State in general if methods can be found through proper handling, to re-
adjust those juveniles who are in need of correction.

Many who have interested themselves in this matter have felt that another
type of institution is needed in the State to care for those cases not so serious
as to warrant commitment to existing institutions. Again it was felt that it
would be helpful if a study could be made concerning Juvenile Courts in the
various counties, in some of which there are no special courts at the present
time dealing with Juvenile Delinquency.

The State is fortunate in having such a group of well-informed men and
women as compose the Commission, willing to devote their services and their
abilities to this matter. I am entirely hopeful that as a result of this study
your body will have before it at this session a workable plan that can be
adopted, because I know the results will more than justify any action that
might be taken.

Purposely left for final mention is the most important functioning of the
Legislative Council. The previous subjects have related to the Executive or
Judicial branches of the Government. Inasmuch as any proposed changes or
amendments to the present statute law must be passed by the Legislature, it
seems fitting to refer now to this agency of the General Assembly.

In suggesting the creation of the Legislative Council two years ago, 1
ventured the opinion that through its operation untold good could be accom-
plished, both in the improvement of the quality of legislation, and in the elimina-
tion of unnecessary and time-taking proposals. Without doubt, the work of