In 1959, there were those who greeted the creation of the State
Department of Economic Development with the same jeers and deri-
sive comments that we occasionally hear leveled against the War on
Poverty program. Yet, since the inception of this agency of State
government, significant progress has been recorded and areas in Mary-
land formerly classified as depressed no longer are. Since the creation
of the Department of Economic Development, the unemployment rate
has consistently remained lower in Maryland than in the United States
generally. The unemployment rate in the Hagerstown area dropped
from 9. 5 per cent in 1959 to 4. 9 per cent in mid-1964. In Cambridge,
the rate declined from 16. 5 per cent to 5. 6 per cent and in Cumberland
from 10 per cent to 4. 7 per cent. These figures, translated into human
terms, mean jobs for men and women actively seeking employment;
they mean that families threatened with separation can continue to
remain together, and finally, they mean a better and healthier environ-
ment for our children.

The adoption of the new State Aid to Education program at the
1964 session of the General Assembly also will do much to offset the
debilitating effects of poverty and ignorance and will contribute signifi-
cantly to the destruction of the poverty cycle. But if these programs
are to be successful, they must gain and retain public acceptance and
public acceptance can only result from conferences such as these. My
colleagues and I in State government will be most anxious to study
the results of today's conference so that we may have the benefit of
your thoughts and your ideas.

In closing, permit me to extend to all conference participants my
sincere thanks for your concern for your fellow man and I am confident
that all Marylanders join with me in praying for the success of this
conference. Thank you.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND ASSOCIATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH

ANNAPOLIS

February 2, 1965

Mr. Barton, other officers, directors and members of the Maryland
Association for Mental Health, distinguished guests, ladies and gentle-
men:

The Maryland Association for Mental Health has performed a

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