The passage of laws, in itself, is no deterrent to crime. It is the
enforcement of laws that counts. You, therefore, hold the key to
peace and orderliness in this State. This is a grave responsibility. It
is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly....

I am well aware that to do your jobs well you must be given the
implements of law enforcement. This includes adequate personnel,
adequate equipment and adequate facilities.

For my part, I have tried to provide you with these implements.
In each of the three budgets which I have submitted to the General
Assembly since I became Governor, I have increased the authorized
strength of the Maryland State Police by 40 men. And when the
Legislature met earlier this year, it was my pleasure to recommend
salary increases and added retirement benefits for the personnel of
this Department.

Also, we are continuing our improvement of the physical plant.
Next year's capital improvement budget contains, among other things,
funds for the construction of a gymnasium at the headquarters here.

You young men who are graduating here today have become
members of one of the outstanding police organizations in the
country....

As you begin your duties as full-fledged State Policemen, I urge
that you be proud—proud of the uniform you wear, proud of the
trust that is being placed in you, proud of the authority vested in
you, proud of the opportunity that is being afforded you to keep
peace in our State and protect our citizens.

It has been a real pleasure to be with you today. As you take up
your new duties as law enforcement officers, I am confident that your
performance will be in the best tradition of this splendid police or-
ganization. I offer you my sincere congratulations and my very best
wishes for happy and successful careers.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND COURT CLERKS ASSOCIATION

OCEAN CITY
August 11, 1961

I began my career in politics and public life, as most of you here
know, as the Clerk of Court of my home county. I look back upon
the eight years I spent in that office with a feeling of pride and satis-

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