of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 221

responsibility and extraordinary industry in the performance of the serious
tasks committed to his care. His culture, integrity and gentility combined to
make him the symbol of our best traditions.

The traditions of a people are the essence of the soul of that people at
its best. Tradition feeds upon the example and upon the acts, performed by
those who forge to the front and by their life and work give added prestige to
as all. Truthfully it can be said that Albert C. Ritchie raised the standards of
public life in Maryland by force of his character and example as a servant of
the State. As Chief Executive of Maryland for 15 years he furnished such
an example as to stimulate the pride of, and make a lasting impression upon,
the people of his State, and in his later years to impress markedly the people
of the entire Nation.

When he ascended to the Governorship, it was at once apparent that the
people of Maryland not only had as their Chief Executive a dignified, high
class gentleman but one who was given to unremitting labor in the performance
of his duties. In addition, the people understood that in their Governor they had
chosen one with an intellect of the very highest grade and, with all, the posses-
sor of common sense and honesty of mind, unfortunately, not always found in
public life. He proved that a man can be deeply enmeshed in public affairs and
maintained unsullied a reputation for fair dealing and integrity as his funda-
mental qualities.

Appreciating his real worth, the people of this State loved him. They
rallied to his support and enthusiastically followed his leadership. This is a
proven fact by the honors which the public showered upon him, honors to a
degree unparalled in the State's history. The orderly and systematic ma-
chinery which he brought about in the State Government has continued to
function with benefit throughout the State. His elimination of undesirable
practices and needless offices resulted in the saving of considerable amounts
as one year followed the other. His insistence upon placing in positions of
responsibility and trust (for example, the Judicial Branch of the Government)
persons of integrity anl capability established the proper level although a high
one for appointments by Governors of this State.

Governor Ritchie was a statesman whos policies and doctrines were bed-
rocked in a philosophy which was and is forward-looking yet conservative; he
was •& true exponent of tolerance and adopted the most, sure way of success-
fully championing the cause. He practiced what he preached. It would be
little less than tragic if the life and example of Governor Ritchie did not serve
the people of his generation, as well as succeeding generations, for a noble
purpose.

The Jeffersonian Club of Frederick County is to be* commended for this
annual reminder of a great man. Those in public life or those aspiring to public
service can well emulate the example and the course of duty charted by this
true Marylander. ' The guide posts which he established as proper directions
for the course of ordered government can well be looked to by the disciples
of democracy who to their benefit might follow his doctrines.

I welcome the opportunity, therefore, as one who now occupies the position
which he graced, of giving public testimony of his worth. The name and fame
of Albert C. Ritchie will not be dimmed as years go on, providing sons and
daughters of the State to which he gave his best follow his example. His
leadership will still be a living thing as long as members of the Party to which