HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 1717
CONDITIONAL CONTRACTS OF SALE.

Chapter 713 (House Bill 99). This measure would have the
effect of creating a lien upon property involved in contracts
of sale, which lien would take effect under conditions which,
it is generally agreed, would be contrary to the general prac-
tice. Well informed persons in title and conveyancing work
oppose the measure and have convinced me that its approval
would be unwise.

Under the circumstances, I shall veto it.

CRIMINAL LAW.

Chapter 564 (House Bill 73). This bill provides for the pay-
ment by the State of damages to persons erroneously con-
victed of crime. The Attorney General advises me that this is
a novel and dangerous Act which would recognize tort liability
on the part of the State, a situation which has never existed.

CUMBERLAND.

Chapter 753 (Senate Bill 212). This bill is a local measure
relating to the compensation and leaves of absence of the mem-
bers of the Police Force in the City of Cumberland. After the
measure passed the Senate it was amended in the House to
include members of the Fire Department. However, the title
was not amended in accordance with the changes in the body of
the measure. As a result, the bill might seriously affect the
regulations of the Police and Fire Departments or both be-
cause of the ambiguity to be found in the measure. The
Senator from Allegany County who sponsored the bill has
written me concurring in the recommendation of the State
Law Department that the bill be vetoed.

DEFECTIVE TITLES.

Upon the advice of the State Law Department, I am vetoing
five measures listed below. The Attorney General, in his
written opinion to me, states that the titles are glaringly
defective. Inasmuch as it would serve no purpose to have the
laws made effective only to be nullified through court action,
I must follow the advice of the State Law Department and dis-
approve them.

Chapter 92 (House Bill 130). The body of the bill provides
for three night watchmen in three courts in Baltimore, but the
title provides for only one night watchman in one court.