1662                                      Vetoes

But who is to distinguish here between the bona fide and the op-
portunistic?

If an established Democratic Club in a given election district were
to be granted a bingo license on Monday, would the licensing authori-
ties have the fortitude on Tuesday to deny one to a suddenly organized
group calling itself the Republican Club of the same district.

If Saturday is the best night for bingo, who is going to decide—
without being accused of partisanship and unfairness—whether the
Republican Club or the Democratic Club in a certain area is to have
the Saturday night license—or whether the two should be permitted
to operate in competition.

I can envision political clubs springing up overnight—not alone
to represent election districts, but to represent small areas within
each district, even to represent streets and avenues and short blocks
within those areas.

Such political activity indeed might be desirable if the bona fide
purpose were to promote political interests within the area.

But I am sure that such interest in the science of government is
not best promoted by whirling disc wheels, shouted numbers and
cries of "bingo."

Whether the purpose of so many bingo games—possibly occupying
every night of the week—was truly for charity as provided, by the
law or "in furtherance of the purposes of such organization", as
further provided, I can see in the proposal no good for the communi-
ties and no good for our system of political parties.

Political organizations, I believe, should stick to politics in the best
tradition and not turn to competition in the field of bingo.

Let the traditional oyster roast still serve as the lighter side of the
serious business of politics.

In view of the above, I am returning to you unsigned Senate Bill
No. 480, trusting that, after serious thought, your Honorable Body
will support this veto.

Sincerely yours,

(s) Theodore R. McKeldin,

Governor.
TRMcK:O:g

Senate Bill No. 518—Clams in Anne Arundel County

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, SECTION
663A (V) AND Section 663B of Article 66C of the Annotated Code
of Maryland (1956 Supplement), title "Natural Resources", sub-
title "Oysters and Clams", making the provisions for the taking of

soft shell clams by the hydraulic dredge and the licensing and restric-

tions generally, applicable to Anne Arundel County; and further
providing for certain additional provisions to apply in Anne
Arundel County. AND TO ADD NEW SECTIONS 663A (E-1) AND
663A(W), RESPECTIVELY, TO SAID ARTICLE AND SUB-
TITLE OF THE CODE, SAID NEW SECTIONS TO FOLLOW
IMMEDIATELY AFTER SECTIONS 663A(E) AND 663A(V)
THEREOF, RESPECTIVELY, GENERALLY AMENDING THE
LAWS IN REFERENCE TO THE TAKING OF SOFT SHELL
CLAMS IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.