work, but it seemed to me that they would be able to function more
effectively if the states that comprise the entire Appalachian Region
could get together and give a visible and forceful demonstration of
their united concern. Such a demonstration would underline their
determination to work together in order to bring the Appalachian
economy into line with the prosperity that exists throughout most
of our nation. It seems to me that all of the states represented here
today, working together, can serve as a vital force in seeing that the
potentials of the region are no longer overlooked and in speeding
up the timetable of economic development.

To my mind, it is shameful and intolerable that, in 1960, there
should be children in the United States who are suffering from mal-
nutrition, and entire families who are living on government sub-
sistence handouts which are below normal nutritional needs. It is
intolerable that we should have American communities where the
family incomes are so low that children can't go to school because
of lack of clothes and shoes. The real tragedy of this area, indeed a
tragedy for the nation, is the appalling waste of the area's greatest
resource—its people. We, in Maryland, are convinced that we cannot
long endure such waste. On the contrary, the time is long overdue
that we strive to provide economic opportunity to all our citizens.
The inexorable pressures of the twentieth century permit no less. How
much better that we join together to make this area a contributor to
to the national wealth rather than a recipient of inadequate and
demoralizing public assistance. How much better that this area be
the home, the workship, and the play yard for a potentially highly
skilled and talented people who need only the opportunity to produce.

I view the Appalachian Region, with its ten million people and
130, 000 square miles, as one of America's last great frontiers. I am
convinced that the people in this room welcome the challenge and
hold within them the keys to solutions. I look forward to joining with
you in a great effort. I do not feel I need to go into detail about the
specific factors which make up the complicated economic and social
mosaic of the Appalachian Region. I am sure all of you are more
familiar with them than I. They will be summarized very briefly for
you in a few minutes by consultants to our Maryland Department of
Economic Development.

One thought, which I would like to express, is that too often in the
past, particularly at the governmental level, we have tried to solve
the problems of the Appalachian Region in the form of stop-gap,
emergency programs. Of course, these programs, especially insofar as

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