220 State Papers and Addresses

day which I trust will not be far distant when this bridge is toll free
and no charges will therefore be made to the travelling public. Particularly
am I hopeful that a way can be found, in the light of the studies to be made
during the ensuing year, for concessions to the residents of nearby counties
who are compelled to use the bridge to a greater extent for their every-day
needs. In other words, I feel that there is a distinction between the general
travelling public, which happens to use the bridge as a part of an up-to-date
highway on an extended trip, and that portion of the neighboring counties
which is required to use the bridge, possibly daily, in connection with the earn-
ing of a livelihood or to obtain the necessities of life.

To the credit of Maryland, it can be said that ours was the first State in
the Union to build a system of hard surfaced roads in accordance with a pre-
conceived plan. Such an undertaking gave the State a position of eminence.
It was in June 1909, just thirty years ago that the first contract for a state
road was awarded. By 1915 Maryland had 909 miles of new roads and it had
taken into the State System additional roads increasing the State mileage to
1, 304 miles. As of September 30th, there were included in the maintenance of
the State Roads System approximately 13, 200 miles of roads.

Considered from another angle, it can be understood why there has been
the astonishing development of a road program. Just thirty years ago when
the State System got under way Maryland had only 4, 500 licensed motor
vehicles. In 1915 it had 29, 000. Now 419, 000 licensed motor vehicles, com-
mercial and private, are recorded or an increase of 1, 300% in fifteen years.

It is no wonder, therefore, that roads constructed for transportation as
known a decade and a half ago are now crowded and hazardous. The primary
purpose in referring to the development of the past is to enable us to profit by
the experience in order that our State shall not lag behind in the further in-
crease and fulfillment of a program for roads and bridges. The development
and economical construction of a complete and comprehensive system of roads
embodying all possible safety precautions for the motorist and the pedestrian
constitutes a major problem in State, County and City governments today.

GOVERNOR RITCHIE MEMORIAL

Fair Grounds, August 29, 1940
Frederick

AN authority on our system of government once made the comment that a
State can be judged by the class of leadership it develops and applauds.
Further, it was contended, that the character of the people is formed and de-
veloped by the kind and quality of men and% women to whom it gives recogni-
tion. In thus emphasizing and extolling the character and achievements of
Governor Ritchie we, as a people and as a State, add to the best of our tradi-
tions.

Governor Ritchie was unmistakably one of the finest types produced by the
public life of Maryland during the last several generations. His public life
was pre-dominantly characterized by intellect, clearheadedness, a sense of