of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 225

THE KIWANIS CLUB

Emerson Hotel, September 12, 1940
Baltimore

IT seems particularly fitting that a group of substantial citizens such as
compose the Kiwanis Club should on Defenders Day pause and give thought
to certain vital considerations. Under ordinary corcumstances, you could do
worse than make an annual custom of stock-taking, as this anniversary pre-
sents itself on the calendar. But, particularly during such extraordinary times
as these, your membership can do nothing more important than. to focus its
attention upon those questions relating to the security of our Nation and of
our State. In addition, it is timely to counsel among ourselves as to the press-
ing internal problems which affect the daily lives of our people.

No living person can remember when Defenders Day held such significance.
As far back as any Marylander can remember this anniversary has been an
occasion to commemorate an event of the past. It has been an occasion which
has always seemed romantic and remote to this generation which has become,
if not soft, at least complaisant in the assumption of security. Who of us has
actually believed that it would ever be necessary for citizens of Baltimore to
take up arms in her defense? Who has not enjoyed his holiday on Defenders
Day and let it go at that, with little thought that the stirring events of 1814
could be enacted again? Who has not—until this very year—considered in-
vasion of America to be a thing of the somewhat incredible past—a thing
entirely too fantastic to consider in modern terms?

And yet, what a difference this past year has brought. What a change
cur thinking has undergone since the last 12th of September. Democracies
have fallen; our isolation has been reduced to a myth; the remote and romantic
stories of 1814 have became the realistic threat of 1940. Unfortunate but true,
Defenders Day now puts off its costume of knee breeches and powdered wigs
and frock coats to become a pageant in terms of steel helmets and tanks and
aircraft. This year we should observe Defenders Day in three dimensions of
time; first, with veneration for what it has meant in the past; secondly, with
a knowledge of what it means at present; and, finally with a determination
for what it shall mean in the future.

In times such as this the Chief Executive of a State undertakes duties
which, generally speaking, are peculiar and unaccustomed to the office. It is
especially true that a Governor of a seacoast State and one which adjoins the
National Capital has responsibilities beyond the normal functions of his office.
Realizing that you have a right to know what is transpiring and, also, because
it will afford an opportunity to obtain suggestions and assistance in further
developments, I might review certain of the moves which have been made by
our State in regard to National and State defense.

We have actively participated in the joint Federal-State conferences in
Washington, held under the sponsorship of the Department of Justice, with the
approval of the President of the United States. These conferences, looking to-
ward a coordination of activities of the State and Federal Governments, have
resulted in the definite segregation of those undertakings which are to be
handled exclusively from Washington and those which are properly for the
handling by Maryland. A third class of activities relate to those matters which