of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor ' 321

the Council has more than justified its creation. Because I have not been a
member of the Council and am entitled to no credit for the good it has accom-
plished, I can speak more freely as to its operations.

Throughout its meetings, the Council has devoted itself conscientiously and
painstakingly to the study and consideration of problems confronting the
State. I particularly wish to emphasize the fact that there has been a con-
spicuous absence of partisanship in its deliberations. The members have not
approved the consideration of the questions as a majority or a minority repre-
sentation. This is most commendable, and I feel that the Council richly de-
serves the signal approval of its work given by President Isaiah-Bowman of
Johns Hopkins University, when he expressed his observation of the work of
the Council in a letter to Senator Arthur H. Brice, Chairman of the Council,
as follows:.

"The work of the Legislative Council, of which you are Chairman, has
drawn the favorable attention of every thoughtful citizen. I hope that the
work of the General Assembly, facilitated by your recommendation, will be
correspondingly favored with public approval.

"The Governor's Commission on the Structure of the (Maryland) State
Government, appointed two years ago, which I had the honor to serve as Chair-
man, strongly recommended such a Legislative Council. It therefore seems
appropriate that I should send you a word of encouragement and thanks for
the way in which the new Legislative Council has performed its duties. I can
think of few contributions to the welfare of the State that can compare with
the devoted services of your Council. "

In referring to the Legislative Council, which will have a number of bills
ready for prompt consideration, I desire to lay emphasis upon this fact. The
Legislature has lost none of its rights through the creation of the Council. The
elected representatives of the people, including every member of the Senate
and every member of the House of Delegates, are the Legislative branch of the
Government. The Constitution provides for that, and no provision by law or
otherwise can deprive the members of their rights. Accordingly, it will be to
the entire membership of the General Assembly that the public will look for
final decisions on all matters under consideration. That the Senate and the
House will meet their responsibilities I have no doubt.

CONCLUSION

This detailed narration, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly,
includes the important developments in the past two years attributable in large
measure to legislation passed by your body, and which has resulted in the more
orderly dispatch of the State business. However, our desire is not entirely to
dwell upon the past and to emphasize whatever success may have been attained.
A further obligation remains, which is to utilize the experience of the past for
even greater accomplishments in" the future.

These accomplishments can undoubtedly be made because Maryland's
strong financial position makes it possible to do so. However, they can be
made, only through cooperative effort between the legislative and executive
branches of the government. Fortunately, a workable and friendly relation-
ship has existed between the two branches and I am confidently of the belief
that this will continue during and after the present session.