"Books, " the English essayist, Addison, wrote, "are the legacies
that a great genius leaves to mankind, which are delivered down from
generation to generation, as presents to the posterity of those who are
yet unborn. "

A similar theme was sounded by John Milton, the poet and author
who wrote:

"Books are not absolutely dead things, but do contain a potency
of life in them to be as active as that soul was whose progency they
are. Nay, they do preserve as in a vail the purest efficacy and extr-
action of that living intellect that bred them. "

So, as we dedicate this handsome new building, with its collection
of books, manuscripts and records, let us offer it to the people of our
age and of ages to come as our legacy for the enhancement of their
knowledge, wisdom and happiness.

REMARKS, 97TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF
THE MARYLAND STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

BALTIMORE

October 15, 1964

Mr. Chairman, Dr. Commager, Comptroller Goldstein, Doctor
Sensenbaugh, Board Members, Mr. Raver, teachers and administrators
of the public school system of Maryland, distinguished guests, ladies
and gentlemen:

Another October has come, and again it is my happy privilege to
be here with the men and women of Maryland who bear the heavy
responsibility of educating the youth of our State. I look forward
with high expectations each year to these meetings of the Maryland
State Teachers Associations, and I am most grateful to Mr. Raver
and to the other officers of the Association for the courteous invitation
I received to come here for this ninety-seventh annual convention.

From my point of view, as chief executive of the State, the meetings
are of great value in that they afford me an unusual opportunity to
discuss with you our common objectives — the operation of a public
school program adequate to the educational needs of this and of
future generations of Marylanders. The zeal with which the teachers
of the State pursue that high purpose is most inspiring and en-

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