of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 173

State became the first and only American Colony whose Government pledged
itself to the protection of the human conscience.

The spirit of the early Maryland Pilgrims, which has ever characterized
our citizens, still manifests itself. It came down to us through the war of the
Revolution. Not only did it express itself at the Annapolis Tea Party, and at
the Battle of North Point, which gave us the Star Spangled Banner, but of
even greater importance, it resides today in our people, who still insist upon
deciding their own problems, without unnecessary interference, without re-
course to prejudice or backward fears.

Another and more earthly reason which brought the Ark and Dove to our
shores, was that the Pilgrims were looking for a desirable place to live, and
history does not record that they regretted their choice. Generations following
them agreed that they could not have found a more desirable location. Here
they found a tidewater, rich with the yield of its produce; here was fertile
soil to grow their crops; rivers to link the inland settlements with the water-
front; here were mountains where scenic grandeur united with minerals and
timber; here was a climate that was temperate, and a geographical location
that was central; here was the threshold of the South—the gateway to the
North.....

DEDICATION OF THE NEW CITY HALL

March 31, 1940
Hagerstown

THIS afternoon's ceremonies mark another important milestone in the
progress of Washington County's most important city. Just as we look
back with great interest to the succession of forward movements that have
signalized the history of Hagerstown since the day of its founding in the
Eighteenth Century, so through this very modern, yet tasteful, new community
building, we may look forward with interest to the years of continued progress
that lie ahead.

While rejoicing with you at the advancement so clearly evidenced in this
new City Hall, I am sure that all of us will look back, too, with just a tinge
of regret at the passing of the old City Hall, which had served the people of
Hagerstown so well for more than a century. It was a happy thought to choose
for this new building the type of architecture, which has been so much a part
of Maryland since its establishment 306 years ago.

Certainly this new edifice is one that not only will contribute immeasureably
to the convenience of the people of Hagerstown, and to the economical and
efficient administration of the City's affairs, but of equal importance from the
aesthetic side, it brings an added measure of dignity and charm to the physical
beauties of your attractive City. A source of satisfaction, too, to the true
Marylander is the fact that there was used in the construction of this building
much of native limestone, which has a quality that makes it particularly suit-
able and impressive in a building of this type.

Not often does one have the dual privilege which has fallen to my lot of
officiating in the official opening of such a building as this. It seems but a