458 State Papers and Addresses

Along the same lines is the matter of air-raid shelters. District Councils
may well advise as to methods to be pursued in solving this problem locally.
Again, along the lines of civilian defense, we have the question of plans for
disaster relief and hospital preparedness. This matter has had much attention
in some communities and has had little attention in others. District Councils
may well give thought to the problems presented and be prepared to pass on to
the communities plans and programs as they are received from the office of
Civilian Defense in Washington.

Along entirely different lines, but growing more important every day, are
the consumer problems. Let us take first of all the question of gasoline.
Recently I issued a proclamation to the State, at the request of Mr. Ickes,
Federal Coordinator suggesting that everybody voluntarily economize. Later
on a more definite program for economizing will be developed and District
Councils will be expected to aid in encouraging communities to conform to the
suggestions. Certain phases of this general question should have the attention
of the Consumer Division of the District Council. In the State Council, they
are handled under the Women's Division and could probably be best handled by
the Women's Division in the communities.

While it is not true throughout the entire State, in some sections the
housing problem is giving difficulty and, in those sections, it is perfectly proper
and desirable for District Councils to manifest an interest and to confer with
parties interested to form committees, if necessary, in an effort to solve these
problems. In this connection, again in certain communities there have been
unjustifiable increases in rents. Where this happens, it is only proper and
desirable for District Councils to take the lead and to communicate with the
proper organizations to the end that a Fair Rent Committee may be established
in order to prevent profiteering.

One thing many people have overlooked is the tremendous amount of
waterfront in this State. Certainly District Councils may well give considera-
tion to an organization that will make use of the water craft and the personnel
available to effect a waterfront protective service.

In outlining all of these matters I do not want to be misunderstood. It
has been the policy of the State and the Maryland Council of Defense from
the first to work in conjunction with Washington on the matter of these
problems. We have encouraged thought and consideration of them but we
have discouraged any elaborate plans which may conflict with Federal plans
because we have known that practically every phase has been or would be
studied and a definite program submitted for adaptation to local conditions.

These programs have been under way for a short while and probably will
go very fast in the future. When they do, they will be promptly cleared
through the State Council and the District Councils will then be in a position
to proceed.

Transportation and road problems, questions affecting agriculture and
industry, material and raw products and assistance for home defense all are
subjects which may require the attention of the District Councils. It will
interest you to know that the organization of our State Guard is rapidly being