of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 417

With many thousands of our young men under arms in one branch or
another, and with the possibility that not only many more thousands may be
called, but even that further extraordinary requirements might deplete our
man-power, then the assistance of educated women looms up as a major
importance.

The experience of our sister Democracy Britain across the ocean, now
fighting so valiantly for the preservation of. democratic principles, show us
conclusively how effective a contribution the women of & nation may make in
building and sustaining the morale of the fighting forces, and in thus helping
to insure victory.

It is generally admitted that perhaps the most important element in the
downfall of German forces in 1918 was the break-down of morale behind the
lines. In today's defense of England the women behind the lines have done a
superb job in helping to "keep the national chin up, " so to speak. In this
Country, should any more serious emergency develop than now exists, the
Nation and the military authorities must definitely look to the women for the
same kind of heartening assistance throughout our own Country.

Women graduates faring forth into the complexities of life today have a
definite responsibility such as no previous generations ever had. There is the
inspiring knowledge that in the defense program, now absorbing the Country's
every interest, there are literally thousands of important posts that women can
fill, thus relieving man-power that may ultimately be needed for other and
sterner tasks. It must be apparent that never has the opportunity for young
women graduates been so thoroughly challenging as it is today. There is
hardly a field in which men graduates go where women cannot follow or even
precede. In addition, there is that final field of humanitarianism in which
admittedly women are ever so much more effective than men.

Of surpassing importance, too, is the fact that in any check-up on our
spiritual progress—our national character—definitely, the Nation must look to
its womanhood first and foremost. The character of the coming generation is
the bedrock upon which our Country must build for the future. It will always
constitute America's first great line of defense. If we are to depend on our
young people to carry on and maintain those things which are dear to us, we
must give them ideals.

In times like these, people want, they must have, something to hold to,
something that stands firm in a changing world. A nation, and its people,
must have character; they must respect and cultivate the age-old fundamental,
human virtues of courage, loyalty, sacrifice, common sense and honesty. These
are elemental things that make character. They were a requisite when man
did his fighting with bows and arrows. They are essential now, in the vast
complexity of modern life.

Our way of life today is not something static; it is adaptable to changing
conditions. But, its foundation of freedom, individual initiative, equal oppor-
tunity, freedom of speech, personal responsibility, are as important now as
when our forefathers fought and won them for us. It will endure only if the
graduates of today and of oncoming generations believe in it, and safeguard it.

It is a troubled world into which you are. being projected, but also, it is a