THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 1859

cars. However, it seems clear that such special identifica-
tion tags can be privately manufactured and purchased, and
displayed in addition to the usual license tag. This pro-
cedure, for example, has been followed by members of
volunteer fire departments.

In vetoing a similar bill passed at the 1951 session of the
General Assembly, I referred to the advisability of dis-
continuing the practice of issuing special license numbers
with the consequent implication to some of special privilege
or immunity, and the Department of Motor Vehicles is fol-
lowing this suggestion. However, Chapter No. 533 of the
Acts of 1953, provides for the issuance of tags bearing
special letters or numbers, with the approval of the Commis-
sioner of Motor Vehicles, if the applicant has a clean driving
record for five years. I approved this exception to the
general policy as an encouragement to safe driving by those
members of the motoring public who derive some special
satisfaction in carrying a unique license tag number. An
additional fee of $15. 00 charged for such tags will provide a
more than adequate margin for the cost of manufacturing
the plates and special handling. The same cannot be said of
the $2. 00 charge provided in this bill, which I am returning
herewith as unwise and unnecessary, especially since the
desired end can be attained without legislation.

Respectfully,

(s) THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,

Governor
TRMcK/tk

SENATE BILL NO. 186

May 6, 1953

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

Dear Mr. President:

I am returning herewith without my approval Senate
Bill No. 186 providing for the licensing of foster homes in
Carroll County by the County Commissioners, with the con-
sent of the Health Department, the Children's Aid Society
and the Superintendent of Schools. This matter is now
regulated by the State Board of Public Welfare under the
authority of Sections 19 through 31, inclusive, of Article