THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 2121

the extent that a non-resident has paid a lesser tax or no tax
at all he would enjoy an advantage upon titling the car in this
State which is not accorded to residents of Maryland.

I am, therefore, returning the Bill without my approval.

Respectfully,

THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,

Governor

May 7, 1951

Hon. George W. Della
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. President:

Senate Bill No. 71 provides for the issuance of special auto-
mobile tags to operators of vehicles equipped with a mobile
radio unit. The tag would carry the call letters and numerals
of the applicant instead of the usual numerals for other cars.
This special privilege is requested because of the possible need
for identification of available mobile radio units in the event
of emergency or disaster. While the avowed purpose of this
legislation and the desire of its supporters to be available for
public service is praiseworthy, I feel that the legislation is
unwise and unnecessary. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
advises that a special tag can be issued to the operators of these
mobile units, which will adequately identify them.

As a general proposition both the Commissioner and myself
disapprove of the practice of issuing special license numbers.
The flood of requests for special combinations of numbers or
numbers ending in zeroes, etc., are a source of endless confusion
in the routine of the Commissioner's office, and occasions the
State considerable additional expense. Such special privileges
should not, be granted in connection with the issuance of license
tags, and the implication conveyed to some that special license
numbers confer any special privileges or immunities should be
removed.

It is against this background of general policy for the future
and the fact that in this case a desirable end can be attained
without the legislation, that I return the Bill herewith without
my approval.

Respectfully,

THEODORE R. MCKELDIN

Governor