624 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

With a modern Civic Center, first class accommodations, excellent
restaurants, diverse cultural and recreational attractions and a wealth
of historic landmarks of national significance, Baltimore can now
compete with other cities for the travel dollar and the convention
business in particular.

I would, however, stress the word compete, for the visitor and con-
vention business is a highly competitive one. You will have to meet
big league competition from such places as New Orleans, San Fran-
cisco and Chicago. But if these cities have found this business worth-
while, then Baltimore should exert whatever effort it takes to play in
that league.

And Baltimore can do it! The Baltimore Jaycees have proved that
they were up to the challenge, when they brought their National Con-
vention to the Civic Center this June. The key to success is of course
local action.

If Maryland is to become a successful host State, the political sub-
divisions and our citizens will have to do most of the job. If Balti-
more is to become a visitor and convention center, city government
and the business community will have to strive together to make
it so. I believe the citizens of our State — like the Jaycees of Balti-
more — are willing to meet the challenge. And, our State government
stands ready to cooperate — so that Maryland can campaign and com-
pete and win I

STATE OF THE STATE MESSAGE TO MARYLAND
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ANNAPOLIS

January 17, 1968

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General
Assembly:

Almost a year has passed since our first official meeting. Even at
that early moment, you had my respect; for I knew we shared in spirit
high aspirations for Maryland with all the optimism of a new begin-
ning. Today, you have not only my respect, but my admiration and
affection, developed from a sense of pride that together we have
resisted partisan inclinations in facing the big problems and beginning
to reach for their solutions. More importantly, you have earned the
respect and approval of the citizens of Maryland as well as interested
observers throughout the country, for you have acted with courage
and commitment.