1980 VETOES.

"The obvious purpose of the Bill was to give incentive to
members of the respective forces to make a career of their
service by holding out to them the prospect of promotion
to the highest grades. I have much sympathy for this view-
point because, in fact, in selecting the Police Commissioner
of Baltimore City, I appointed the outstanding member of
the Force who had come up through the ranks and had
familiarized himself with all phases of police work,

"However, I do not think it is good policy to have a man-
datory provision in the law prohibiting the appointment of
any individual outside of the Department if he is the best
qualified person available. More especially, I think to deny
war veterans the opportunity of being considered for appoint-
ment to positions is contrary to our announced policy which
is to give preferential treatment to members of the Armed
Forces now risking their lives for us. "

For reasons above assigned, I, therefore, return this Bill
without approval.

DIVORCE.

SENATE BILL 294.

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Section
40 of Article 16 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1943
Supplement), title "Chancery", sub-title "Divorce", provid-
ing that a divorce a vinculo matrimonii may be obtained by
reason of the voluntary separation of the parties for three
consecutive years.

This legislative enactment would have reduced from five to
three years the period in which divorces could be granted upon
voluntary separation. The House of Delegates had previously
voted to disapprove the bill but subsequently reconsidered
and passed the measure by a close vote.

I am of the opinion that such a drastic change, if made,
should be based upon a thorough study of the divorce question
in this State in which the opinions of the Chancellors and
Masters in Equity might be sought. Other well-informed
sources might, also, be solicited in order to ascertain whether
public sentiment would be in favor of such a change.

It appearing that no such general inquiry or investigation
having been made prior to the introduction of this bill, I feel
constrained to exercise my veto.