of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 129

legislative branches of the government are by their very nature aggressive in
their will to power and that, in the exercise of authority, they were capable
of affecting adversely the judiciary. The absolutely true statement was made
by Dean Pound that, because the judiciary controls neither the purse nor the
police and other branches, it must rely on fairness and justice, but more im-
portant the support of the other two departments.

Speaking, if I may, for the executive branch, I can give absolute assurance
that the judiciary does have and will continue to have the support of the ex-
ecutive branch in Maryland.

MARYLAND
STATE GAME AND FISH PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION

Lord Baltimore Hotel, December 16, 1939
Baltimore

IT is a welcomed opportunity, which your splendid organization has afforded,
to discuss with you frankly and fully the most important subject of Con-
servation. Not only because the question, in its many phases, is among the
most vital affecting the interests of the entire State, but for the further fact
that no group approaches the solution of the question with more unselfishness
and public-spiritedness than you, do I experience genuine pleasure in making
known to you the attitude of the present State Administration.

No State in the Union has been more generously dealt with by nature
than Maryland. It is not necessary for me to recount to this audience the great
abundance and diversity of fish and game which our first settlers found here
in and around our bay, in our rivers and in our forests, nor of the wealth of
our forest resources and fertility of our soil. We all know that story, we
know only too well also, that for decades these resources have not been availed
of to the greatest advantage.

Of course, much of this destruction was unavoidable consequence of the
clearing of our land for agricultural purposes, of the growth of our cities and
of an expanding population. Much, however, was the result of careless and
improvident action. This is history. What concerns us here tonight, is the
progress we are making in repairing this damage and in consideration of the
important and extensive work that still remains to be accomplished in this field.

Conservation, in its truest sense, requires the preservation of our natural
resources in the most prudent manner, so that for succeeding years, an un-
diminished abundance will be available to the citizens of our State. This does
not mean, of course, that the present generation is not to use, and avail itself
of, the products of our priceless possessions. Rather, intelligent Conservation
guarantees, in most instances, a greater current supply for our own use, and
then, an increasing subsequent supply for those who are to follow us.

I am of the opinion that as our Conservation interests are now being
conducted in this State, we are making definite progress and will continue to
do so. Our State Game and Inland Fish Commission, under the able direction
of Chairman Garner W. Denmead, is developing and putting into effect, a well-
conceived and comprehensive program to increase further the supply of game