of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 423

known; after complete enjoyment of all the developments of science and in-
dustry that have contributed to man's increased convenience in life, could
Americans even think for a moment of bringing themselves to accept a con-
dition in life that would deprive them of these privileges?

The answer comes thundering from every section of our land, just as the
answer to a similar query thundered from the South in the days of James
Ryder Randall, prompting him to pen those immortal lines of "Maryland, My
Maryland. " Rather than accept conditions that were intolerable to his soul,
Randall set his heart upon paper and proclaimed in ringing tones the feeling
that is prevalent in the hearts today of every true American when he wrote:
Better the. fire upon thee roll
Better the blade, the shot, the bowl
Than Crucifixion of the soul
Maryland, My Maryland

America must be made so impregnable in defense that our Nation can
resist successfully any attack made upon it, or upon our national integrity.
It is not over-statement to assert that we are in danger from external forces.
This is not the result of any overt act on the part of the United States, which
has had its basis the conquest of any other country, or greed for the possession
of any other land. The American people are essentially peace-loving and have
desired to remain at peace, except when honor and self-respect decree otherwise.

In our determination to make America impregnable, the only way in which
this will be brought about is through the united effort of our people. Just as
educative completeness presupposes proper development of mind, and heart,
and will, so complete preparedness means unity of action on the part of all
diverse elements in the Country.

For example, the present "all-out" undertaking demands the unstinted
response of industry. Production for defense supersedes production for private
interests. No ulterior cause must be allowed to impede the orderly and effi-
cient production on a full-time basis, if America is to be well equipped for any
eventuality.

This consideration compels reference to labor disputes, with their after-
math of stoppages of work, resulting in the loss of man hours in production.
The present emergency demands that production not be impeded by unneces-
sary strikes. Labor as a whole will respond to the Nation's call, I am confident,
because the rank and file of organized labor must realize that the security of
the Country is at stake. But recent occurrences may indicate that so called
"leaders" of labor are adopting methods which are calculated to impede pro-
duction. Such interference must not be countenanced.

Furthermore, if radicals, who have covertly slipped into the ranks of
labor are inciting such moves for subversive purposes, they must be exposed
and their efforts defeated. Although these individuals, who are un-American
and disloyal to the core, have not the interest of labor at heart, they can seize
the present opportunity to exploit labor by contending for concessions, which
may look rosy to the working man. But analysis will show that ultimately
the efforts of these subversive leaders are inimical to the cause of labor.