faction. For then, as now, it was an office of high honor and great
responsibility.

Afterward, for approximately 17 years, I was privileged to serve
as the Comptroller of the Treasury of the State of Maryland, and all
of you, of course, know the very close working relationship between
that office and the clerks of courts of the State.

As you would expect, then, I feel quite at home here today. From
experience, the great teacher, I know some of your problems, some of
your purposes, some of your heavy responsibilities. It has been my
pleasure through the years to have worked in very close association
with many of you here. I have profited by the association. I have
derived great enjoyment from your friendship. And so, before I
continue further, let me express my sincere appreciation the officers
and members of the Maryland Court Clerks Association for inviting
me here today, I assure you that I am both pleased and honored to
be your guest on the occasion of this annual convention of your
Association.

I know that many drastic and far-reaching changes have occurred in
the office of clerk of court since I served in that capacity more than
two decades ago. For one thing, the expansion of our judiciary has
multiplied the volume of your work, added greatly to your duties and
rendered complex what only a few years ago was a relatively simple
governmental operation.

I have been aware, as I know you have, of the strong and concerted
movement, here in Maryland and elsewhere in the country, to im-
prove our judicial administration. The proper administration of
justice, to be sure, is of vital concern to all citizens, but you, as
officers of the courts, have a peculiar interest in this cause. In a very
real sense, clerks are officers of the courts and are in a position to
contribute immeasurably to the proper functioning of the courts
and a sound administration of justice.

In my judgement, you showed great wisdom when a few years ago
you set up this Association of court clerks. By working together in
this organization, you already have achieved much. I am sure you
will accomplish much more in the future.

I have observed you as you maintained a sharp watch on legislation

affecting the office of clerk of court. I know of the highly commend-
able, and at least partially successful, effort you have made, as a
group, to achieve uniformity in the procedures and functions of the
clerks offices as they operate in widely separated jurisdictions and

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