XVI REPORT OF THE COMPTROLLER 0F THE TREASURY.

In order to avoid this confusion, if you should deem it best to
change the rate, it could be done by making the rate effective
for and after the year 1907.

It has been my endeavor in these remarks to present a plain
statement of the financial condition of the State. While the
exhibit is most satisfactory, demonstrating clearly the healthy
condition of the Treasury, yet it is as clearly shown that the
revenues of the State are barely sufficient to meet its demands.
May I therefore urge upon you the strictest economy, not only
in the matter of the expenses of your Honorable body, but also
in weighing carefully every appropriation that shall come before
you, to the end the results of your deliberations may be crowned
with wise, beneficial legislation.

I cannot close these remarks without expressing my warm
appreciation of the wise and intelligent interest manifested in
the fiscal affairs of the State by his Excellency, Edwin Warfield,
Governor of Maryland, whose long business training and sound
judgment has rendered to the State and to me invaluable aid.

To the Hon. Murray Vandiver, State Treasurer, with whom
I have been associated for the past two years, my thanks are also
due. His long experience as a financial officer of the State has
qualified him to be of great assistance to me.

To my Chief Clerk, Harry J. Hopkins, Esq., I am especially
grateful. His long experience in the Comptroller's office has
qualified him to render me assistance I consider invaluable. To
him and the several clerks in my department whatever merit is
herein found is gratefully shared.

Respectfully submitted,

GORDON T. ATKINSON,

Comptroller.