ADDRESS, DEDICATION OF GYMNASIUM,

SALISBURY STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE

SALISBURY

January 16, 1962

It is always an inspiration to me to take part in the dedication of a
new building to enrich the lives of the citizens of this State, and it is
particularly inspiring to witness the formal opening of a structure dedi-
cated to such a worthy cause as this—the education of the young men
and women of Maryland.

I see in this handsome new gymnasium of the Salisbury State Teach-
ers College a symbol of the will and determination of the people of
Maryland to move forward unyieldingly to better our program of educa-
tion. The principle of public education is deeply rooted in the history
and tradition of our society, but events which have occurred during the
past few years have placed new and added emphasis upon the impor-
tance of education.

Out of two world wars, the United States of America has emerged as
a predominant world power, saddled with the terrible responsibility of
defending not only its own integrity as a nation but the integrity of the
free world. As the leader of the free nations, and as guardians of democ-
racy, we are confronted by enemies as powerful and competitive as they
are ruthless. It has not been encouraging to us to observe the great
advances which have been made by Soviet Russia and its communist
allies and satellites in the areas of science and technology. Their achieve-
ments, particularly in the space race, have caused us some alarm and
much deep concern. As a result, our system of education has undergone
an exhaustive and penetrating scrutiny, because there is common agree-
ment that if we are to survive the fierce competition of our enemies we
must keep pace with them in the training and education of our citizens.
There is no doubt in the minds of any of us that the future of our society
will be shaped by the character and the quality of our education.

Such a situation quite naturally invites a comparison between the
institutions and programs of education in this country and those of
Soviet Russia. Now, I have no instruction or experience that would
qualify me to speak with authority on this subject, but as a citizen and
public official I am keenly interested in learning all I can about it.

Recently, I was very much interested in reading a report on a study
recently conducted by the National Science Foundation on education
and professional employment in the U. S. S. R. It was hardly a surprise

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