1996 VETOES.

nouncement in the Democratic State platform of 1938 to which
I subscribed during my candidacy for this office. The people
elected all the State-wide candidates, endorsing that platform,
and I have felt that I was in duty bound to maintain this
policy.

In view of all of the facts and circumstances, I feel obliged
to veto the two above-mentioned Bills.

POLICE BILLS.

Chapter 517 (House Bill 401). The Police Commissioner
of Baltimore City "earnestly recommends" that a veto be at-
tached to this Bill, the purpose of which is to extend the pro-
visions of the Police Pension Fund for widows.

By this Bill members of the special fund may, at any time,
become eligible to have the benefits from the "Special Fund for
Widows". Previously it was required that they give notice at
least within 30 days of their appointment of their desire to take
advantage of these benefits. In opposing this further exten-
sion, the Commissioner writes:

"It (Police Pension Fund) would soon become insolvent if
members were permitted to join the system only as a matter of
convenience, "

In view of the importance of this fund to such a great num-
ber of present and former members of the Police Department
of Baltimore City, I feel it my duty to stand in opposition to
anything which might make the fund insolvent.

Therefore, on the strength of the Police Commissioner's rec-
ommendation, I am vetoing this Bill.

Chapter 324 (House Bill 332). This enactment seeks to com-
pel the reinstatement of John D. Klingle as a member of the
Police Force of Baltimore City. The former officer was dis-
missed from the Force on December 26, 1941, after pleading
guilty to the charge of "drinking and being under the influence
of intoxicating liquor while on duty and in uniform. "

This measure is similar to enactments of former sessions
where the Legislature undertook to require the reinstatement
of other persons who had been dismissed from the Baltimore
Police Force. Since I have been Governor I have vetoed every
one of these Bills upon the recommendation of the Police Com-
missioner who has stated that it would be detrimental to the
best interests of the Department to have men reinstated in this
manner. Police Commissioner Stanton has written me con-
cerning House Bill No. 332 and definitely recommends that the
Bill be vetoed.

The Commissioner calls attention to the fact that contrary to
the averment in the legislative enactment that he was dismissed