260 Slate Papers and Addresses

could be maintained with the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Mr. J.
Edgar Hoover.

I stress the importance of these measures because we must realize that,
if our Country should be drawn into war, then munition plants, transportation
and water systems, industrial establishments and our civilian population will
experience internal undertakings which will require the utmost vigilance and
preparation. The world knows by this time of Fifth Column and other such
activities. All of us hope that there may never be need for the use of pre-
paratory methods soon to be adopted but it is infinitely better to have an air-
tight defense and not need it than to need it and not have it.

To you businessmen who make up the membership of this splendid public-
spirited organization, I say that Maryland is ready for anything that may
ensue. Three hundred years ago the gallant settlers of our State, in thanks-
giving for their deliverance from Europe's age-old oppressions, gave to the
world the then-unknown principles of toleration and freedom. Later, as part
of the Constitution of our Country, those principles, applied so effectively in
'our own great land, served to elevate man's estate throughout the world, and
give to the individual a new dignity.

Today, with these Maryland-born principles in jeopardy, Maryland can be
relied upon to rally to their defense just as true Marylanders have been prompt
to rally in every danger period in our history. Today, truly, in the light of
what has transpired throughout the world, we have learned anew what things
are worth fighting for. And we shall not falter in the fight.

EVE OF THE PRESIDENTAL ELECTION

Radio Station WBAL, November 4, 1940
Baltimore

TONIGHT we are on the eve of the most momentous decision the people
of America have been called. upon to make in all their history. It is a
decision so important—so vital to the continued security of our Country, that
no citizen of our land who deserves to be called an American, can in conscience
disregard his duty in connection with it. '

I call, therefore, upon every registered voter of Maryland to do his or
her duty in this time of national emergency, by going to the polls tomorrow
and voting. Only as it represents the true conviction of the majority of our
American people will tomorrow's decision at the polls reflect the combined
judgment and desires of our entire citizenry.

It is my reasoning and firm belief that our people can do their part to
assure the preservation and continued safety of this Nation's free institution
by voting to continue in office President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and by
sending to the Congress to support him a solid Democratic delegation from
Maryland.

Throughout the weeks of this hard-fought campaign you have heard
discussed many issues of importance, and many, many others of relative
unimportance. An effort has been made at times by the speakers of the
Republican Party to magnify issues that really are of little moment. After