1682 VETOES.

viewing them. Some of the officers for whom the bills provide
pensions were dismissed, and others resigned. Practically
none of the cases are at all recent, and some occurred from 25
to 30 years ago. None of them are covered by the General
Pension law, and there seems to be no reason for granting any
of these pensions contrary to the provisions of that law.

Likewise in the reinstatement cases. Some of the officers
were dismissed and others resigned, few of the cases being
recent ones. The Police Commissioner tells me that in none
of these cases would he be willing to grant a reinstatement,
even if he had the power to do so, which, in fact, he has in a
good many.

Each of these pension and reinstatement bills, 26 in all,
will be vetoed as special legislation, for which I cannot see any
justification.

BALTIMORE CITY BILLS.

Senate Bill No. 56 (Chapter 644) changes the title of the
Buildings Engineer to the Commissioner of Buildings. The
Baltimore City charter adopted by the people was amended by
creating a Department of Public Works, headed by a Chief
Engineer, and with seven sub-departments, the head of each
one being designated in his title as Engineer. The present bill
would change this title to Commissioner in the Sub-Department
of Buildings, leaving the other six titles the same as at present.
I am advised that the bill is invalid, under the Home Rule
amendment, and that the City administration does not favor it.
For these reasons it will be vetoed.

House Bill No. 89 (Ch. 113) directs the Mayor and City
Council of Baltimore, subject to the approval of the Mayor, to
pay all City laborers not less than 50 cents per hour.

The Baltimore City Charter was adopted by the people
under the Home Rule amendment, and I am advised that the
question of salaries or wages for City employees is now one
for the City authorities exclusively, and not for the Legislature
to determine, and that, for this reason, House Bill No. 89 is
invalid. It will be vetoed.