a steady, continuing improvement in the quality and caliber of State
personnel under the merit system. This has been accompanied, as
we all would expect, by a constantly increasing efficiency in the opera-
tions of State departments, agencies and institutions. It has been
quite gratifying to me to observe that the merit system, which has
been in operation in the State government and in the government
of Baltimore City for many years, is being extended to other jurisdic-
tions of Maryland. This, to me, is a most encouraging trend and one
I hope will continue.

The two organizations represented at this joint conference — the
Public Personnel Association and the Society for Public Administra-
tion — have established for themselves high aims and high purposes.
The former proclaims its devotion to fostering and developing sound
personnel administration in the public service based on the principles
of the merit system. The latter hopes to improve management in the
public service through the exchange, development and dissemination
of information about the public service. These are lofty goals, the
attainment of which will result in better government for the people
we serve.

I note with interest and approval that the theme of this joint con-
ference is "Achieving Excellence in the Public Service Through Im-
proved Personnel Administration. " I hope that each person here will
leave this conference today with more skills and a better knowledge
of how the agency which he represents may attain the highest possible
excellence in public service. May I conclude by saying once more that
I deeply appreciate your cordiality and your hospitality and that I wish
each of you the fullest measure of success and happiness in the jobs
you perform for the people.

REMARKS ON ACCEPTANCE OF 1964 SIMCHA AWARD
BY LODGE NO. 771, B'NAI B'RITH

STEVENSON
October 27, 1964

Thank you, Dr. Elkins, Mr. Liss, Mr. Moss, Mr. Potts, other officers,
members and friends of Menorah Lodge No. 771, B'nai B'rith, dis-
tinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

I have no words which would adequately express the profound

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