FAREWELL ADDRESS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1001

It is my hope that the 1969 session of the General Assembly will
consider some of the more vital sections of the defeated Constitution.
You have every right to do this, for the rejection of one constitution
is not the repudiation of the concept of constitutional reform.

The reorganization of the executive branch is of vital importance,
for administrative reform is the keystone of modern State govern-
ment. Reorganization is the citizens' best assurance of effective eco-
nomic and responsive service by the State.

Further, reorganization will provide for an orderly succession
through the establishment of an office of Lieutenant Governor. Four
Governors are leaving their posts this month to join the new national
administration, yet only one state — our State — has no provision for
continuity of executive intent. I will grant that the legislation pre-
pared for your consideration would not have altered the present
situation, but it can provide for a more orderly transfer in future
years.

Less than two years ago, I attempted to define the direction of our
new administration as the pursuit of excellence. I viewed it as an
approach which did not promise perfection, but pledged our dedicated
pursuit of it. I called upon you to put aside partisan considerations
tor a new alliance, based on the best interests of Maryland. And I

sought the aid of each citizen in this quest.

I did not expect miracles. But we have come far — farther than I

expected — and we have come far because we did pursue excellence;
we did put aside partisanship; we dared to act with political courage.

We have moved Maryland out of the past into the present and
even several paces into the future. I look back over the past two
years and am encouraged; I look forward to the future with hope. I
shall pray that each of you may continue in the vigorous pursuit of
excellence and the achievement of progress for Maryland. And I
hope that you will pray for me.

It is with a spirit of gratitude for the years that I have served my
State as Governor, and in a spirit of humility in considering the
challenge ahead that I submit my resignation.

Above all, it is with a spirit of pride in my State, its history and
traditions that I have chosen not to set a precedent in the words of
my farewell but adopt those used by Governor William Pinkney
Whyte in 1874 when he resigned his office to take a seat in the United