10 State Papers and Addresses

inmates of penal institutions, and prepares for the release of these inmates
when it can be effected without harm to society or to the individual concerned.

The fact is that most of the prisoners within our penal institutions are
going to be released sooner or later. Society should be greatly interested in
taking every precaution that they are released when and under circumstances
that will most surely indicate their ability to readjust themselves in the social
order. During the period of their attempted readjustment they must be super-
vised, as much for society's welfare as for their own. This supervision can
only be accomplished if there is an adequate staff of parole officers.

If we look at the situation from the standpoint of dollars and cents, it is
more economical to assist those persons who are capable of reformation and
readjustment in society to become self-supporting and to live decently, rather
than to maintain them in prison. But more important than monetary con-
sideration is the fact that human beings are thereby salvaged.

In the field of public education we must keep constantly in mind that the
child receiving his education at the hands of the State is the citizen of tomor-
row. The development of his mind is an important investment which will pay
dividends to the State in a better type of citizenship, in a higher culture, and
in wider enlightenment. While I am Governor of Maryland, no influence detri-
mental to the proper functioning of the public-school system will be tolerated.
I say this unqualifiedly because it is my sincere hope that the public-school
system of Maryland may be second to none in the entire United States.

Time does not permit a detailed discussion of many other important phases
of the State government and of the possibilities before us. Without intending
to minimize their importance by briefer reference, I might remark that regula-
tion of the handling of alcoholic beverages requires strengthening and modi-
fication.

In deciding under what conditions and regulations intoxicating liquors are
to be dispensed, I suggest that there ought to be a distinction made in regula-
tions governing sales on Sunday and those on week-days.

The question affecting agriculture are of far-reaching importance and
deserve your thoughtful consideration. Recognizing that benefit to the farmer
will mean benefit to the entire State, I bespeak your serious attention to
matters bearing upon the welfare of those engaged m agricultural pursuits.

Before concluding this address, I wish to pledge to the members of the co-
ordinate branch of the government—the General Assembly—my cooperation and
assistance. At the same time, I will ever be respectful of the prerogatives of the
Legislature upon which I have no disposition to infringe. Inasmuch as the
work of the legislative and executive branches are interrelated, I shall strive to
perform the part of the Executive expeditiously and shall submit matters to
the Legislature promptly in order that unnecessary time may be saved and
delays avoided.

It may not be too much to hope that the work of the Legislature will pro-
ceed as promptly as is consistent with efficiency and suitable deliberation so
that the work may be completed before the expiration of the period allowed
by the Constitution. Public money would be saved, and the anxiety occasioned
by pending legislation would be averted, if this General Assembly terminated
its session before the end of ninety days. Undoubtedly the Legislature would
earn the lasting gratitude of the people if this much-desired accomplishment
could be effected.