USA > Maryland > The book of Maryland: men and institutions, a work for press reference > Part 2
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It has 168,000 horses worth $17,136,000; 25,000 mules worth $3,350,000; 180,000 cows worth $16,020,000; 138,000 other cattle worth $6,955,000; 250,000 sheep worth $2,275,000 and 427.000 hogs worth $8,759,000. These livestock values are higher now; they would probably exceed $60,000,000 in 1920.
The money that has come to our farms through larger production and higher prices has sent up the price of land and Maryland farms are commanding the highest prices they have ever known. Farmers from other sections, from the more rigorous north and from the distant west are seeking homes in Maryland where they have the comforts of an ideal climate and the benefits of close and profitable markets. For example in Talbot county in the past two years 230 farms have been sold at prices which aggregated more than a million dollars more than the assessed value.
In 1920 the University of Maryland awarded prizes for growing wheat in Maryland offered by the Food Administration to stimulate production. These prizes show the productiveness of Maryland soil. The first prize for a field of wheat over 25 acres went to a tract producing 35.93 bushels per acre. The first prize for a field less than 25 acres went to a tract producing 41.4 bushels per acre. The yield per acre in all crops is steadily advancing in Maryland.
These are the practical results of the fine awakening in progressive agriculture that has come to the whole State. The extent of this is a surprise even to our own people. The Great War stimu- lated it and the intensive campaign in food production produced the remarkable effect of increasing the soil output of the State at the very time its farms had lost thousands of their best workers who had been called into service. This apparent contradiction of conditions was accounted for by several gratifying facts. First, the producers did more work and worked together as they had never worked before. Second, they made use of modern machinery. Third, they took more care in harvesting their crops. In one year more care in the threshing of wheat added 50,000 bushels to Maryland's crop. A dozen tractor schools were conducted and at one demonstration at the State College 8,000 farmers attended. On the Eastern Shore near the ocean one of the largest orchards and nurseries in the country has been brought to great success. Western Maryland mountain sides are covered with great orchards that rank with the largest and finest of America. In every county there are special agents preaching and demonstrating the latest methods of fruit protection, and there are State experts at work among the growers all the time. Thus we have a continuous session of education for the pro- ducers and there is no State that is more thoroughly alive to the latest proven ideas in agriculture.
Work is now going on to organize every county on a community basis. Already there are more than five hundred local rural organizations. Maryland has six of the best State organizations in America, the Maryland Horticultural Society, the Maryland Crop Improvement Association, the
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Maryland State Dairymen's Association, the Maryland State Beekeepers' Association, the Maryland Vegetable Growers' Association and the Maryland Sheep Growers" Association. All these are State- wide and are federated in the Maryland Agricultural Society which also admits county councils or county-wide federations of community councils and thus provides the machinery for the representa- tion of every local community organization of the State.
In this associated effort is a high degree of interest, enthusiasm and cheerfulness, and thus the farm life of Maryland has its enjoyment as well as profit. In fact the man who owns a good Mary- land farm is one of the fortunate ones of earth. It means much, for, says Dr. Woods, "Eachı American farmer. is equivalent in his producing power to six farmers of any other nation in the world."
George Calvert, born in England in 1579, founded the colony of Maryland, and his son, Cecelius Calvert, carried out his scheme of making Maryland a land where every man might worship according to the dictates of his own conscience. George Calvert was a Protestant who professed the Catholic religion. When raised to the peerage he took his title from the name of his manor of Baltimore in the central part of Ireland. The Irish element has always loomed large in Maryland and accounts in an important measure for the sprightly character of its population and its devotion to the graces and hospitalities of an exceptional social life. Early Maryland was a palatinate. Within its confines Lord Baltimore was practically king; he was called "Cecilius, Absolute Lord of Maryland and Avalon." He could create courts, coin money, grant titles. make peace and declare war, and he was called the Lord Proprietor. Fortunately the Calverts were men of sanity and vision and they used their powers wisely. So, the Palatinate instead of becoming a machine of absolutism or oppres- sion worked out a development of representative government that gave the people a voice in affairs. This spirit of democracy grew and thus Maryland has always been on the front line of the eternal battle of mankind for liberty and justice. One result of this was that the Indians were treated fairly and the new colony escaped the bloodshed and tragedy which some other colonies experienced. The settlers and the Indians lived amicably. The troubles were with the whites of other States or other interests and while these led to occasional turbulence it can be said with pride that Maryland had a happy youth and that while it has never turned from a good fight it has always preferred peace. understanding, of course, that it must be peace with honor.
When the troubles arose between the English King and Parliament in the middle of the seven- teenth century the colonies were affected and the situation in Maryland was disturbed. It was then the famous Toleration Act was passed, the date being April 21, 1649, and the Act decreeing among other things, that it be "ordered and enacted . . . that no person or persons whatsoever within this Province, . . . professing to believe in Jesus Christ, shall from henceforth be any waies troubled, molested or discountenanced for or in respect to his or her religion." This Act carried out the spirit and the purpose of the original Proprietor and gave to Maryland a world fame for broad-mindedness.
In all history the big thing is the creation of conditions that make for the full liberty of the people. Maryland stood for religious toleration when the right to worship was sadly handicapped. It led in breaking the shackles of monarchy in 1776 and 1812. Jews had been free to worship according to their belief, but their enfranchisement had not been made. In 1825 a bill was passed by the Legislature allowing them to hold office and giving them the same rights as all other citizens. The final great act of freedom was in the adoption of the Constitution of 1864 which in Maryland liberated between eighty and ninety thousand slaves, whose value was estimated to be over thirty million dollars.
There was always opposition to slavery in Maryland. From 1695 a tax was laid on every slave brought into the colony and 1780 this ta :: was raised to five hundred pounds which was prohibitive. Three years later the Assembly passed an Act forbidding the further introduction of slaves. As early as 1789 a society for the abolition of slavery was formed in Maryland. Roger B. Taney and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and many leading men belonged to it. Excellent work was done by Friends. The constant policy was to reduce the number of negroes in Maryland. The State spent large sums for the colony of Liberia, but the negroes did not want to leave Maryland where they were treated with kindness and where their education was regarded. Gradually many of the slaves were freed, so that when the Civil War came on the number of free blacks in Maryland almost equalled the
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number of slaves, the figures being 83,942 free blaeks and 87.189 slaves, all of whom were to be freed within a few years. In 1810 there were 111.502 slaves in Maryland. Although the number of negroes in Maryland increased to over 170,000 in 1860 the number of slaves decreased to 87,189. These figures are quoted here because most persons have forgotten thein and have classed Maryland among the slave-holding Southern States and have ignored the sentiment that strived throughout more than a hundred years for the lifting of human bondage. The real spirit of Maryland has always been for liberty.
In the Revolutionary War Maryland furnished her full quota of 3,105 men and these were Washington's favorite troops. The first to join Washington's army was Captain Michael Cresap's riflemen who left Frederick July 18 and arrived at Cambridge, Mass., August 9, 1775, armed with rifles and tomahawks and wearing moccasins and hunting shirts. In 1777 on urgent letters from Washington, Maryland raised five more regiments, twice as many as Maryland's share if all colonies had contributed alike. Of Washington's army of forty-three regiments fit for service in 1777 seven were from Maryland. Of the Maryland line there were only five hundred survivors at the end of the war. Moreover, Maryland furnished supplies and went heavily in debt for the cause of inde- pendenee. Washington was nominated to the command of the American Army by a Marylander. Governor Johnson, and it was in the Senate Chamber at Annapolis that he resigned his commission and surrendered his sword.
For the War of 1812 Maryland was called upon for six thousand men; more than twelve thousand volunteered. Within four months after war was declared Maryland sent out forty-two armed ves-els; one of these captured ships and cargo worth $1,500,000 and took 217 prisoners and the total of damage done was enormous; in seven months 500 British merchant ships were captured. Later the British plundered and burned towns along the Chesapeake and in 1814 the attack on Baltimore was made. The American success at the Battle of North Point helped greatly to win the war. The bombardment of Fort McHenry inspired Key to write the national anthem, "Star Spangled Banner." Baltimore built the Battle Monument and the 12th of September i- a Maryland holiday.
In the War with Mexico a battalion of six companies under Colonel William H. Watson of Baltimore, won distinction at the Battle of Monterey and a monument to Colonel Watson is erected in Baltimore. Major Ringgold and his battery were credited with the victory at Palo Alto. In that war so many men volunteered in Baltimore that recruiting was discontinued.
Maryland contributed troops to both sides of the Civil War. The number will never be known. but the estimate is from forty to fifty thousand divided about equally between the Union and Con- federate forees. Maryland men fought Maryland men in some of the severest fights of the war. Maryland was invaded by the Confederates three times. In the first invasion the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, one of the bloodiest of the war, were fought. The second invasion led to Gettysburg. In the third invasion Hagerstown paid a ransom of $20,000 and supplies and Frederick paid a ransom of $200,000.
In the War with Spain Maryland offered all the men the Government would take, but few of them got to the front. The Maryland name in that war was Admiral Winfield Scott Schley. who commanded and won the Battle of Santiago. as fine a hero as any nation ever possessed. Enviou- rivals tried to tarnish his laurels but they shine brighter today than they did twenty years ago.
Thus through the years that stretched from the first struggles of a people to obtain freedom and make the world better Maryland did more than the average. In all the struggles her men took large part. Therefore it was natural that she should go into the greatest of all wars with a zeal that spared no sacrifice.
From the declaration of war with Germany April 6, 1917, to the signing of the armistice Novem- ber 11, 1918, Maryland furnished 62,000 men. The Maryland National Guard and Naval Militia numbering 7,4-42 men were ready before the Government asked for them. The Naval Militia wa- called in service the day war was declared. The National Guard of Maryland was drafted into Federal service August 5, 1917, before which time it had been guarding the railroad bridges of the State and the waterworks of Baltimore city. Hundreds of young men from Maryland enlisted in the armies of the Allies long before America entered the war. The list of Maryland dead during the war was about 1,800. The Government figures for Maryland in the American Expeditionary forces to February.
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1920, were: deaths. 975; wounded, 2,804; prisoners, 33. The other deaths were in the United States. The Johns Hopkins Hospital Unit left on the first convoy of the American Expeditionary forces and was the first hospital with the forces.
It is too early to write a definite record of what the Maryland troops did abroad. The various accounts are available and all are interesting, but the story needs perspective in order that it may be just and satisfactory. What we know is that Maryland men took part in many fights; that they were ably led; that they showed fine courage; that they did their full duty and that they contributed some of the splendid pages to the history of the war. From General Pershing down the line of officers they were praised for their qualities as men and soldiers. They reflected the highest honor on their State and gave the name of Maryland new fame and glory.
I think we are all immeasurably proud of Maryland's home work during the war period. Of course, it is secondary to the service and sacrifice of our young men in uniform, but it was an expression of the desire and power of those not in the army and navy to support and help those who were. In standing back of her men Maryland was a unit in unselfishness and enthusiasm. This work began long before war was declared. As far back as February the Governor had appointed a Preparedness Commission and the organization of the State for war service had begun. Larger crops were put in and the industries of the State began to expand. An extra session of the General Assem- bly in June, 1917, unanimously resolved "that the State of Maryland pledges all its resources to the Government of the United States for the successful prosecution of the war." It created the Mary- land Council of Defense and appropriated a million dollars for its work, adding another million a year later. It passed a remarkable series of laws to meet the exigencies of the war period and to knit the State into a close and efficient organization for practical work. Its Compulsory Work Law became famous and from it came the Government's demand, "Fight or Work." It was one of three States to take a military census. It had the first hospital train.
In food production the State did very unusual work. It provided better seed for the farmers. bought tractors to help the plowing and organized every county for more intensive farming. The result was that 1918. the war year, was the most productive year in the State's history. It was also a year of universal gardening and the value of the war gardens in 1918 was placed at $6.880.000. This was due to the patriotic co-operation of the women of the State. The Maryland women built up some of the very best organizations Maryland ever had and their value was felt in every direc- tion, food production, Red Cross, Liberty loans, thrift stamps, patriotic celebrations, care of the soldiers, care of their families, in a hundred ways that expressed Maryland womanhood at its highest.
Maryland bankers showed the finest loyalty to their State and Nation. Their banks did every- thing the Government asked and more, for they gave their services without stint to Washington. The lawyers of Maryland organized under their judge, and gave free service to the soldiers and their families. The Maryland doctors achieved new honors. The men from the Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland and other medical schools were first and foremost with American troops on the battle fields and it might be said that American troops in Europe were under Maryland doctors, for they were at the head of the hospitals and medical units. Maryland was the first State to con- tribute her quota of physicians as requested by the Surgeon General.
Maryland gave three million dollars to the Red Cross and millions more to other causes. On all the loans Maryland went over the top. In fact there was not a single request from the Govern- ment that Maryland did not promptly meet.
No State was more used by the Government than was Maryland. The State spent $200,000 to clear the ground for Camp Meade, the only State that did this work at its own expense, and Camp Meade became one of the great camps of the war and its value was such that the War Department made it a permanent camp. Camp Holabird. on the edge of Baltimore, is where the trucks were assembled for shipment to Europe. a fine camp with a capacity of 2,800 men. Maryland took care of the army truck men until this camp could be made fit for their accommodation. Then the great proving grounds at Aberdeen. where the ammunition was tested. an estate that will be a permanent govern- ment reservation. There were many other camps and grounds. Our navy had its base in an arm of the Clicsapcake and our rivers were full of ships loading ammunition and food for the armies of the Americans and the Allies. Already the list is long but it only touches the total. The great
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works of Bartlett-Hayward, the Poole Company, the various ship yards and others contributed notable chapters in big work and practical patriotism. In short the whole war story of Maryland is as fine as anything in the records of the human race. And it has given our life a stimulus that will be felt all through the coming generations.
Transportation lines are the arteries of a State. In these Maryland is blessed. Its highway system built at a cost of $25,000.000 is the best in the United States. Its great railroads. the Balti- more and Ohio, the Pennsylvania and the Western Maryland are national in fame, while its smaller lines, the Maryland and Pennsylvania, the Annapolis Short Line and the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis give excellent services. Baltimore, Frederick, Hagerstown and Cumberland have first-class electric lines and the use of the automobile bus has been so well extended that there is constant service between all the population points of the State.
Fifty years ago Maryland spent over a half million dollars a year on public schools: today the sum is over five millions. Its educational facilities embrace every approved school from the open air kindergarten to the Johns Hopkins. These advantages make a high grade of public service and thus our leaders in the professions and in business are known for their trained intelligence, their wide vision and their progressive methods.
All in all, Maryland in the year 1920 looms as a fortunate State with a record of solid achieve- ment and with the destiny of increase and usefulness that will keep it in the front line of the world's happiest progress and prosperity.
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IION. WILLIAM F. BROENING.
Honorable William F. Broening, Mayor of Baltimore, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 2, 1870. Was educated in the public schools. At an early age, because of an invalid father, was compelled to take his place among the wage-earners, and learned the trade of coppersmith. While working at this occupation, devoted his evenings and other spare moments to a course of special reading and study. later entering the law department of the University of Maryland. Arriving at his majority and while a student at the University he began taking an interest in politics and was elected to membership in the City Conneil of Baltimore, serving during the term (1897). He graduated from the University In 1898 and engaged at once in the practice of law. Declined renomination to succeed himself as a member of the City Council to accept appointment as private secretary to the Honorable Frank C. Wachter, his personal friend. who was Congressman from the Third District of Maryland. He was subsequently elected as a member of the Legis- lature, serving in the General Assembly of Maryland during the term for which he was elected (1902). Was chairman of the City Delegation.
Mayor Broening is a man of rare personal qualities, and combines a lovable disposition with a touch of the diplo- mat and the storn aggressiveness of a strong character ; he is a born leader and a friend of all who deserve his friend- ship.
In 1911 he was unanimously chosen as the Republican candidate for State's Attorney for the City of Baltimore. to which oflice he was elected by a plurality of 4.170. In 1915 he was renominated without opposition and re-elected by an increased majority, his plurality being about G,non. In that year he was mentioned for the Republican Mayoralty nomination but declined to allow his name to be considered. In 1919 he was unanimously chosen by his party as its candidate for Mayor and was elected over his Democratie opponent by a majority of nearly 10.000.
During his services in the City Connell he was recognized as a man with a vision and of progressive thought and during his term made an enviable record. lle was sponsor for the ordinance which caused the removal of the unsightly and dangerous overhead wires and placing them underground in conduits, constructed and maintained by the munici- pallty : for "all night cars" and because he championed the vestilmiles on the front of street cars, which was bitterly fought by the Railway Company, he became known as the motorman's friend. He took the initiative for the establish. ment of an eight hour day for municipal employes and was the first to force the giving of free transfers by the railway system, which he accomplished by making It one of the conditions under the franchise grants.
Mayor Browning belongs to many fraternal organizations, ling especially prominent in the Loyal Order of Moose. numbering more than 600,000 including some of the most prominent men of the country, of which he was Supreme Dictator and chief excentive during the year from September. 1919. to 1920.
During the World War he represented the Government before the Appeal Board and passed on draft exemptions -- a task which required executive ability of the greatest order. Was also actively engaged in all patriotic work, such as Liberty Bonds, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other drives, giving much of his time to speaking and committee work.
On September 6, 1905, Mayor Broening married JJ. Marie Granel. They have three children. The Mayor is known ns n lover of home and fireside, and When not engaged In the affairs of the city, is always with his family.
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BALTIMORE
BY GENERAL FELIX AGNUS
N 1920 Baltimore entered the billion class. Its taxible basis reached over a billion: its trade exceeded two billions; the wealth of its 733.826 people was several billions.
Baltimore emerged from the big fire of 1904 with the spirit and the courage to handle large undertakings. In no city has there been finer work of reconstruction than that which produced the new Baltimore. Broad-minded men at the head of affairs enlisted the services of the leading experts of the times and thus Baltimore rose to its opportunity. When the Great War came Baltimore was equipped. Baltimore with half the State's population and with most of its industrial facilities and with practically all its commerce rendered very unusual service to the Government. Much of the ammunition was made here; many of the ships were built here; a very large part of the war machinery was assembled here and vast quantities of foodstuffs were handled here. Forty Government operations used Baltimore's equipment to the limit and added enormously to the city's output. Baltimore gave 30,000 men to the service but its population during the war increased because more than 50,000 workers were drawn here to do war work. The timid thought the reaction following the close of the war would affect Baltimore adversely, but instead of reaction there has been increase, and thus two years after the armistice Baltimore holds what the war gave it and greets the future with construction plans totalling more than a hundred million dollars.
In most of the histories of Baltimore the larger space is occupied by the events of the early period and the stretch of years preceding and including the Civil War. It is a story of deep interest and splendid progress worth all the attention it receives, but the greater record of Baltimore lies this side of the sixties. It is the record of a beautiful city full of high spirit and enterprise constantly expanding and improving and growing in grace and wealth, covering more acres with finer structures. reaching higher in the air with its skyscrapers and digging deeper in the earth for its channels of commerce and for its network of utilities that distribute power, gas, electricity. water, heat, transpor- tation and other municipal necessities beneath its surface.
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