of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 279

will be followed that could be of assistance in achieving this roads program.
The State Administration of today is road-minded to the extreme, and the next
few years will witness such an improvement in our roads system, I predict, as
to delight every citizen of our State who is appreciative of the conditions
obtaining now, and who desires our State to be in the forefront of progressive
states. Thus Maryland can again be acclaimed as the State of a "Good Roads
System. "

MESSAGE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND

January 1, 1941
Annapolis

IT is a privilege to address your honorable body, and I welcome the oppor-
tunity of reporting to you developments in the functioning of the State
Government since the adjournment of the last General Assembly in April,
1939. Based upon the experience of the past two years, additional legislation
will be respectfully recommended for your consideration.

Since your last meeting twenty-one months ago, catastrophe has fallen
upon the world. The devastating hand of war has brought death and ruin to
thousands of unfortunate victims. Once free peoples now live under the domina-
tion of the aggressor. The world over, democratic principles of government
are being challenged, and force has opposed itself to right. With appalling
swiftness neutral and peace-loving countries have become involved; social and
diplomatic intercourse between many nations has been terminated; commerce
in those peace-time products which serve the cultural needs and conveniences
of men become subordinated to dealings in implements of war; destruction has
supplanted construction.

Truths and integrities which from time immemorial have been held as
fundamental are endangered. It would seem as if civilization itself is being
challenged. In this period of danger, doubt and uncertainty, it is vital that the
component commonwealths of our great democracy unite in a supreme effort
in defense of our form of government, that form which has made this Country
a nation of free men, confident in its strength, not envious, but determined to
maintain that freedom at all costs.

We are hopeful that with so large a part of the world in conflagration,
this Country, and our own State, Maryland, loving and accustomed to the ways
of peace and prosperity, can entirely escape the scorching flame of war. Under
the leadership of President Roosevelt, measures are being taken to place this
Country in a state of preparedness. The task is enormous, and the change-over
from peace-time to war-time production involves problems of great magnitude
and complexity.

The United States is envious of no country; it has designs upon no other
nation; it is greedy for the possessions of no kingdom, empire or dynasty. And
yet, we arm ourselves. The sole purpose and the one which demands that we
do so is protection against any aggressor who would dare to attack our shores
or to assault our peace-loving nation.