of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 165

The time will soon come when there will have to be reviewed and elimi-
nated, or certainly simplified, much of the administrative procedure surround-
ing the activities of these bodies.

I have not attempted to cover all of the possible uses to which this group
might be put. Doubtless other questions have already suggested themselves
to the members or will in the future suggest themselves. If so, that will serve
only to demonstrate the worthwhileness of this set-up. I want to invite and
encourage the greatest number of suggestions and recommendations, from the
consideration and discussion of which I am certain we can find for the func-
tioning of the State Government.

I conclude by stating that we can use this mechanism for the betterment
of the State. That, undoubtedly, was the reason for its creation. With it
available to us, it would seem apparent that there is an obligation and a duty
resting upon us to employ to the fullest extent this available means of giving
the public a better product, without additional expense. If we can accomplish
this desired result, I am sure our time will have been well spent.

COMMEMORATION OF SIDNEY LANIER

February 13, 1940
Baltimore

MARYLAND honors itself in doing honor to the memory of one who,
though not a Marylander by birth, is claimed to be a part of our State
by adoption and by affection.

In giving evidence of a desire that Sidney Lanier received deserved recogni-
tion by inclusion in the Hall of Fame, we are motivated by an inclination to
have the rest of the Country, and indeed the world, share the pleasure and
satisfaction which flow from the understanding and appreciation of a true genius
and his works. Free acknowledgment is made that our sister State of Georgia
can claim justly that it was the scene of the birth of the poet. Maryland
desires modestly but emphatically to register its tribute, which can be expressed
most fittingly by a people under whose eyes he has displayed his talents, for
Maryland's culture bears the indelible impress of his outstanding ability and
noted accomplishments.

While Georgia and Maryland have special claims upon the memory of
Sidney Lanier, he belongs, in the widest sense, to the whole continent wherein
he was born. His place among the "Major American Poets" is acclaimed as
heartily in Canada as it is in Texas and memorials to him have been established
in more than twenty cities throughout the length and breadth of America, from
Florida to California.

In nominating Sidney Lanier as a worthy addition to the Hall of Fame,
Maryland feels that it is not asking favor, but is discharging its duty, in seek-
ing to perpetuate further the noble sentiments and worthwhile pursuits which
the higher arts cultivate for mankind.

Any student of the poet's works must admit that Lanier's standing cannot
be improved or disproved by this or any other similar assemblage. His record
is written and it speaks for itself. In other words, I mean to say that Sidney