of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 233

which will indicate the adequacy or inadequacy of medical and hospital care
in the counties. The survey will, of course, be directed especially to that
group of the population which cannot afford to pay the cost of necessary
medical, hospital and nursing service. The Committee making the survey
is under the Chairmanship of Dr. Maurice C. Pincoffs, who is giving unselfishly
of his time to this important work.

Finally, a survey made recently by the Department of Public Welfare
indicates that a number of chronically ill people in county almshouses are
without proper medical and nursing care. There are probably others in homes
equally in need of care but without resources for this provision. The Com-
mission which I appointed to consider this matter is actively at work, and I
am hopeful that a plan will be developed for the establishment of one or
more hospitals for the treatment of these unfortunate people. The number
in any one county is not large enough to justify the necessary facilities, but
by pooling resources adequate and proper care can be provided.

HAMPSTEAD ROTARY CLUBS

THE State administration has been putting its house in order that every-
thing might be in readiness should the occasion demand. Our National
Guard has been recruited to a point where it it close to authorized strength. Its
officer personnel has been reviewed and strengthened. Our roads, so vital to
any proper functioning of defense forces, are being brought into shape as
quickly as possible, and vital new roads have been projected, ready for con-
struction and completion just as soon as authority comes from the Federal
Government in Washington.

Through the State Council of Defense and Resources, which I appointed
late in July to coordinate our State's activities with defense moves in Wash-
ington, there are being assembled information and detailed plans, that will
cover every possible phase of State participation in national defense.

You, of course, realize that defense of any part of America, of any state
or groups of states, is not, and cannot be a local matter. Defense requires
concerted national effort. That is why Maryland was alert to be among the
very first to set up machinery for cooperating with, and supplementing defense
activities inaugurated in Washington.

If a greater emergency should arise, there will be no scurrying around in
Maryland trying to find out what we have to offer for defense, trying to line
up our resources at the last moment. As a result of weeks of conscientious
work and study by the various committees under the State Council, Maryland
will have at her fingertips complete information regarding her industries, her
manpower, her military and naval advantages, her roads and transportation
facilities so organized that hospitalization of a permanent and mobile nature
will be available at almost a moment's notice. In cooperation with the Selec-
tive Service Headquarters in Washington, and supplementing our very splen-