of Governor Herbert E. O'Conor 5

public, I declared that there was no way out of the situation except through
additional taxation. The returns of the election can be accepted as an ap-
proval of this policy and as an indication that the people understand the situa-
tion and are willing to assume the necessary burdens to the end that their
State's financial house may be put in order.

The discussion of reasons for our present financial situation brings to mind
another question. It is whether revenues raised through gasoline levies ought
to be diverted to uses other than highway construction or maintenance. I
took the position that the spirit, if not the letter, of the laws imposing this
taxation required that this money be spent on the roads. I am still of this
belief. Not only is this fair dealing with the taxpaying public, but it is a
necessary policy if Maryland is to regain its former position as a State with
good roads.

The condition of our roads in comparison with those of other States should
spur us on to greater effort. I have in mind conditions existing on the Eastern
Shore, in Southern Maryland, as well as in certain sections of Western Mary-
land, which illustrate this need. Thus, it will be seen that while additional
burdens may be inevitable, there will be compensating advantages, which, it
is hoped, will bring to the people of Maryland conveniences, comforts and
material benefits justifying the expenditures.

These references bring to mind the part which politics can or should play
in certain agencies of the government. As a party man, I adhere to the belief
that the best politics to play sometimes is no politics at all. As illustration
of what I mean, let us refer specifically to but two State departments, Conserva-
tion and Roads. In these two highly important agencies of government, un-
limited opportunities are open to our State. In the field of conservation, per-
plexing questions press forward concerning vital interests of every section of
the State. They relate to the priceless possessions which Maryland enjoys in
greater degree, possibly than any other State in the Union. They affect the lives
and livelihoods of citizens in the tidewater counties; of persons interested hi
inland fisheries and upland game; they relate to matters involving forestry and
much-needed parks and recreational areas.

Such far-reaching questions, deeply affecting the welfare of the State,
ought not to be hampered by political considerations.

In the matter of good roads, with the safety, the material benefits, the
business, and the comfort of our people interlocked with their construction, it
is not only proper but it is imperative that petty political considerations do
not frustrate the completion of an enlightened and well-considered program.

The funds dedicated to State roads will be used for work that can be done
at a fair cost, by contract, and will be done by contracts let in rigid observance
of the law relating to competitive bidding; no work will be done by force ac-
count, if it can be avoided. And, among other things I shall ask the General
Assembly to permit those counties that so desire to take back the maintenance
of their own county roads, and to make provision for an equitable apportion-
ment of the gasoline tax revenues assigned to lateral roads to such counties
that take over their own roads for maintenance and construction.

These two typical examples, conservation and roads, prove the case for
the avoidance of politics where politics might jeopardize the proper advance-
ment of State interests. Believing that our Party's interests are served only