THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 2109

missioners to fix State bounties on fox and weasel pelts. The
Game and Inland Fish Commission has informed me that
though funds are sufficient to match the present county bounty
rates, should additional counties authorize bounties for foxes
and weasels, or should the rates be increased, there would be
insufficient State funds to comply with the law.

For these reasons, I am returning House Bill No. 406 with-
out my approval.

Respectfully,

THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,
TRMcK/jmt Governor

May 7, 1951

Hon. John C. Luber
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland.

Dear Mr. Speaker:

House Bill No. 637 would permit all persons over the age of
70 years to be entitled to a free angler's license. I believe
that House Bill No. 637 is not in the best interests of the peo-
ple of the State. It is true that probably there would not be
a great number of such free licenses issued, but the granting of
fishing and hunting licenses to any one group would reduce the
revenue which goes toward the conservation of game and fish
and the betterment of the sport. Such a privileged group
would be an injury to sportsmen as a whole. Furthermore,
the granting of special privileges to one particular group sets
a bad precedent and is apt to lead to a demand for a wider
extension of such privileges.

Therefore, I am returning House Bill No. 637 without my
approval.

Respectfully,

THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,
TRMcK/jmt Governor

May 7, 1951

Hon. John C. Luber
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. Speaker:

House Bill 688, relating to the issue of licenses for certain
gill nets and for the use of such nets in the tidal waters of
Maryland, is being returned without my approval.