of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 155

you talk in your weekly pamphlet of the hope of absorbing even more of the
spirit and enthusiasm of the ideal that conceived Rotary, you suggest the age-
lessness of the spirit of Rotary, a spirit that can go on and on and be still
refreshed, even though you and I who are members here tonight will give way
later to future members of our Club. Today when there is so much ill will in
the world, it is amazingly refreshing to take time out, if only occasionally, to
recall that there need not be ill will everywhere—that there is room, and that
there is constant need, in our lives for the spirit of helpful service and of
friendliness that has made the thousands of Rotarians the world over a compact
family, despite their differences in race, in customs, and in residence.

Basing the assertion upon the fact that one outstanding objective of Rotary
is the advancement of international understanding and good will through a
world-fellowship of business and professional men, it is unquestionably true
that this organization can be a leavening influence for peace throughout the
world.

In championing the cause of peace, you will certainly be backed by the con-
trolling power of public opinion in America. It is a refreshing thought that
with nations bent upon conquest and the ruthless seizure of lands of neighbor-
ing countries, the United States has no selfish interests. Our people are in-
tent upon living at peace with all the world. We are not envious of the worldly
possessions of other nations and only ask that our rights be not violated, in
exchange for which our Country gives unmistakable evidence that it does not
wish to interfere with other countries.

Another helpful influence of such an organization as Rotary is the ex-
ample set by its members for the government to follow. Including within its
ranks such a great number of outstanding business men, it presents an illustra-
tion of how success can be achieved through adherence to business-like methods
and to sane practices in government which have proven to be sound through
the test of time.

It is because I feel that the State Government of Maryland belongs to you;
as well as to other citizens of Maryland, that I refer briefly to a few facts
revealing the manner in which your affairs are being administered. My purpose
in doing so is two-fold. One purpose is, in order to acquaint you with what
the present administration is attempting to do; the second, is to invite your
thoughtful attention, as well as your counsel and criticism concerning the aims
we are seeking to accomplish.

Believing that the most important thing to be done was to put our financial
house in order, we set out with a determination to operate the State government
as a business organization would be operated. We now have a balanced budget.
The last fiscal year ended with a surplus of $4, 400, 000, and there was returned
to the State Treasury, unspent, appropriations to the respective departments,
to the amount *of $360, 000. The last sale of State bonds, a few months ago,
brought the best price ever to be received for Maryland securities in the history
of the State.

Another definite principle laid down was that we must not live on borrowed
money because it is obvious to everyone that such a debt has to be paid back at
a future date and with interest. By not borrowing to meet current expendi-
tures, and by liquidating outstanding bonds, we have already reduced the State
debt by several millions of dollars, and by the end of the fiscal year September