of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 179

our fellow-Americans with the splendid recreational advantages to be found
here in Maryland. The May issue of the National Geographical Magazine will
contain the first advertisement of Maryland's advantages. This is but the
forerunner, however, of a broad campaign that will cover many phases of publi-
city, and will broadcast to all America the advantages that Maryland enjoys,
and offers to the residents of other States not so signally blest in this respect
as we are.

I cannot emphasize too strongly the fact that conservation problems must
be decided strictly on their merits, without outside interference, political or
otherwise. Despite rash predictions from ill-advised sources, politics has played
no part in the administration of the commissions devoted to conservation
questions. I definitely promised that such would be the case. But actions
speak louder than words, and a year and a quarter's experience has proven
that we meant what we said.

We in Maryland have a priceless public domain in the waters, forests and
fields of our State. Everyone having regard for the present and future of his
State must understand that these resources must be preserved carefully and
intelligently for the future benefit of our people. I commend the unselfish and
generous cooperation given by such groups as yours, and in return pledge the
sincere and conscientious discharge of our official responsibility, in order that
conservation in all phases may be advanced in Maryland.

Furthermore, I pledge you that the two Commissions will be backed up to
the fullest by the State Administration, and that under no circumstances will
the old conservation bugaboo, politics, be permitted to interfere with our con-
servation program.

The year 1939 has been an excellent conservation year for the State.
The year 1940, unless all signs fail, should find Maryland well along the road
toward the restoration of its one-time limitless heritage of tidewater and in-
land fish and game.

THE RITCHIE MEMORIAL DEDICATION

May 18, 1940
Annapolis

IT is with singular satisfaction that, on behalf of the State of Maryland, I
accept this memorial which will stand perpetually as a tribute to the
memory of our late Governor Albert C. Ritchie. This occasion is truly a solemn
and a sacred one. The public-spirited citizens, forming the committee to arrange
for this memorial, and the great number of individuals who have participated
in its erection, have done well to provide this evidence of gratitude from the
public for service to our State rendered faithfully and efficiently.

The inscription from the Latin poet, Horace, carved upon this shaft—

"He who is worthy of honor does not die, "

has not been changed or rendered less true by the passing of centuries. Simi-
larly, the benefits from the valuable services of Governor Ritchie, the example
of highmindedness, industry and constructive thought, given by him, will con-
tinue to be appreciated and realized for generations to come.