Theodore R. McKeldin, Governor                 1667

The bill would authorize State department heads to award to
officers and classified employees cash awards for inventions, superior
accomplishments or other personal efforts that contribute to the effi-
ciency, economy or other improvements of State operations, or for the
performance of special acts or services in the public interest in con-
nection with official employment.

The Governor also would be authorized, under the bill, to make
such awards and even to make awards in addition to those that might
be made by department heads.

The awards, in the main, would be limited to $1,000, except that
awards up to $5,000 could be granted in special cases with the ap-
proval of the Commissioner of Personnel.

I favor the recognition of talent and initiative and believe that
those virtues should be encouraged. I feel that we should have some
system for setting apart for advancement and reward those who are
devoted to their duties as contrasted with those who are willing to
drift along doing just enough to "get by."

However, the methods established in Senate Bill No. 543 are far
too loose for fair and capable administration.

Under its terms, employees of one department might receive awards
for performances, suggestions or inventions which are equaled or
exceeded, but unrewarded, in other departments.

A system such as this should be administered by a single board to
guard against discrimination, favoritism and unfairness and to see
that all recommendations for awards were carefully considered as to
merit, value and originality among other things.

Since this bill lacks the necessary safeguards, I am disapproving
it with the hope that the matter will be given more study by a future
session of the General Assembly.

Sincerely,

(s) Theodore R. McKeldin,

Governor.
TRMcK:O/c

Senate Bill No. 618—Scholarships at St. Mary's Female Seminary

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Section 252 of
Article 77 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1951 Edition),
title "Public Education", sub-title "Free Scholarships", sub-head-
ing "St. Mary's Female Seminary, St. Mary's City, St. Mary's
County", relating to scholarships from St. Mary's County at St.
Mary's Female Seminary.

April 15, 1957.

Hon. Louis L. Goldstein
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. President:

Senate Bill 618 amends Section 252 of Article 77 of the Annotated
Code, to provide for additional free scholarships at St. Mary's Female