1878.] OF THE SENATE. 153

1850 to 1860, 1,272 annually. In 1867 it was reduced to.
20 ; in 1868 to 19. This very nearly demonstrates that by
the universal application of vaccination the disease would
very nearly be banished from human society.

The expenses of this Agency during the past year have
been $971.50, being the whole of the appropriation of $800
for 1877, with $171.50 of the balance of $177.75 left from the
appropriation for 1876, leaving a balance on hand from the
appropriations for the two years of $6.25.

I would here respectfully suggest to your Excellency the
insufficiency of the appropriation for 1877 to defray the cur-
rent expenses of the Agency, even while no epidemic existed,
and with the closest possible personal supervision of every
expenditure ; and further, that the efficiency, as well as the
scope of the benefits to the community designed by the estab-
lishment of this office, have been seriously curtailed, and
even endangered by so limited an appropriation. The ques-
tion naturally suggests itself, as to what would have been,
our condition had such an epidemic occurred as visited our
chief city only a few years ago. Your Excellency can but
see how crippled we should have been, and how totally un-
able to meet the demand upon us for a large amount of virus,
and consequent use of many more heifers, with corresponding
increased expenses. It is to be hoped that the present Leg-
islature may appreciate the true state of affairs, and provide
for any such contingency in the future.

I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your obedient servant,
WILSON G. REGESTER, M. D.,

Maryland Slate Vaccine Agent.

Which wsre read, and referred to the Committee on
Finance.

Also,

A communication from the Executive, endorsed "Execu-
tive business."

Mr. Bannon presented the petition of G. R. Warfield and
others, voters of Anne Arundel County, praying the passage
of a law submitting to the voters of the State whether licenses
shall be granted to sell intoxicating liquors as a beverage in
said State.

Which was read, and referred to the Committee on Tem-
perance.

Mr. Dennis presented the petition of Erastus Handy and
others, citizens of Somerset County, praying for the passage