54 State Papers and Addresses

measures and, also, for better inspection of mine weights and measures. These
proposals were strongly endorsed by organizations interested in Labor.

Concerning the public school system, there was enacted a law elevating the
standards and improving the classification and salaries of teachers. The legis-
lation dealing with the schools will have such a salutary effect that Dr. Albert
S. Cook, State Superintendent, has described our work of the last three months
as the most constructive and beneficial ever to be accomplished through legis-
lation in our State.

Another progressive, forward-looking measure is the creation of the
Legislative Council. I proposed this innovation during the campaign and it
is now an accomplished fact. The plan provides for continuing consideration
of legislation by selected leaders of the two branches of the General Assembly.
They will meet at intervals between sessions to carry on the study of new
proposals so that the General Assembly through this representative body will
keep abreast of continually changing developments on every front. Then
eventually, there will be ready for future Legislatures a well considered pro-
gram evolved by their own representatives and ready for the entire member-
ship when the sessions are begun.

Here again Maryland will now be among the leaders in the adoption of
a system which will undoubtedly improve the quality of legislation and will
give the elected representatives of the people a greater voice in the policies
of the State government.

While time does not permit more than a passing reference to other worth-
while accomplishments of the Legislature, I might briefly mention the following:

Useless and unnecessary departments and jobs were eliminated by abolish-
ing the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the office of the Commissioner
of Loans, the Assistant Adjutant General and a change in the set-up of the
Conservation Commission. Inasmuch as I discussed over the air several weeks
ago this detail in the changes in the Conservation set-up, it is unnecessary to
report them now.

A modernized system of medical examiners to replace the antiquated
Coroner system has been accomplished. The removal of the State Director of
Health from the Governor's appointive list and empowering the State Board
of Health to appoint this important official on a non-political basis is another
change which a recently enacted law makes effective and which is in keeping
with my assurances during the campaign that politics would never be permitted
to interfere with the functioning of the Health Department and the public
schools.

In order to obtain the fullest benefits to those wards of the State who
are confined in hospitals for the treatment of the mental ailments, an adminis-
tration measure vesting the Board of Mental Hygiene with authority to co-
ordinate the work of these institutions and authorizing interchange of patients
was enacted. Increased efficiency will undoubtedly result from this change.
It might also be noted that through a joint resolution an expression was adopted
emphasizing the desirability of having women included in the membership of
hospital boards.

Another change for the better is in the reorganization of the Veterans
Commission which will result in the reduction of overhead expenses and will
increase the amounts available for deserving veterans of our State.