186 State Papers and Addresses

them. Many were content to have the results achieved without asking any
glory for themselves or credit to their names. Thinking of their sacrifices and
of their unselfish efforts I am struck by the analogy drawn in the recent
biography of the late Mr. Justice Cardoza of the Supreme Court of the United
States, which empthasizes the characteristics and attributes of the person who
strives to attain an ideal.

Quoting from an address by Mr. Justice Cardoza, the biographer gives
his version of what portrays the spiritual precept as "a submergence of self
in the pursuit of an ideal; a readiness to spend one's self without measure
prodigally, almost ecstatically for something which is great and noble. "

By such efforts a great change was wrought and it is with pleasure that
acknowledgment is made that in the spheres of science, of business, of the
professions, of government, women have manifested their great abilities and
have shown themselves worthy of great trusts and responsibilities.

It is but stating the obvious fact that any record of achievement carries
with it the burden of additional responsibility. In recognition of the achieve-
ments which thus far have been noted through the efforts of women, further
obligation attaches and a further desire is expressed that the active assistance
of women and women's organizations might be had for the benefit of our
present day civilization. This is especially needed at a time when the surround-
ing world is literally aflame with influences which threaten to undermine the
basic structure and way of life under which both women and men of America
have been enabled to live and to achieve importance.

Consequently the active assistance of each and every woman as well as
each and every man who believes in American ideals and principles is sorely
needed for the preservation and protection of that for which our government
stands and which is essential to our further progress.

The Chief Executive of a State who. would be called upon to answer the
question "What does the State expect of the club woman?" would immediately
think of one definite phase of governmental activity which is not always under-
stood or made the subject of discussion. I refer to that class of extra-official
activity which, in the rapidly developing age in which we live, presents for
solution many questions of great importance to the State and to the people
which are not made a part of the statutory duties of the administrative heads
of our State government. Many of these undertakings or movements have
far-reaching effect and they are not included by law in the list of official under-
takings of the State, as oft-times, the law does not keep pace with current
events.

As an illustration I might cite the present efforts of our State in regard
to the organized efforts for public safety and for the lessening of the lamentable
toll of deaths and serious accidents caused by traffic on our streets and high-
ways. Hardly any undertaking of our State is more important than that which
seeks to safe-guard the lives and personal safety of our people, including the
children, who, all too frequently, are offered as a sacrifice on the altar to a false
god of speed, recklessness and direct disregard of human life.

We have undertaken this effort without legal sanction, as yet, but because
we would be lacking in regard to our citizenry if every proper effort were not
exercised toward the promotion of safety. Not only could club women be of
inestimable help in such connections, but I am happy to report that they have
been of help. I refer specifically to your splendid President, Mrs. Harcum, who