of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 55

In the interest of our large colored population we have successfully
provided for a Commission, the aim of which is to provide greater opportunities
for colored people to secure college training and college educations. I am happy
to report that these plans for the proposed) Morgan State College contemplate
the greatest outlay in this particular field ever made by Maryland in the
interest of colored people.

Repeatedly during recent years we have heard much discussion as to the
need of the State going forward in the matter of forestry and the development
of parks and recreational areas. It is gratifying to say that through adequate
provision in our bond issue bill the amounts have now been provided which will
make possible the addition of vast areas from which our citizens will derive
enjoyment, healthful pleasure at the same time saving the resources of our
State.

The voting public was told during the last campaign that I had no desire
to perpetuate myself in office. Through efforts of this administration, provision
has been made to submit a constitutional amendment which would make it
impossible for the Governor to succeed himself.

Needed improvements in the Election Laws were made at this session; '
measures were adopted broadening the scope of the Social Security legislation;
authorization was given to the Court of Appeals to promulgate rules governing
Court procedure; a Potomac River Commission has been created to handle
questions affecting reciprocal rights of Maryland and Virginia; provision was
made for a public school survey of our State and many other enactments are
included in the total bills passed within the last 90 days.

After consideration of all of the accomplishments of the Legislature, with-
out reservation, I make to the citizens of Maryland the following statement:

The General Assembly of 1939 has written upon the statute books of this
State more sound and progressive legislation than has ever been enacted in
one session in the history of Maryland.

Moreover, in this, the first of the two regular sessions during the term
for which I have been elected, there has been fulfilled almost completely the
platform pledges of the Democratic Party regarding legislation. The remaining
pledges, the majority of which have to do with administrative features, will
be fulfilled henceforth.

It is to be noted that the department heads of my administration will not
take office until May 1st or thereafter. In making my appointments I intend
to name the most capable persons whose services the State can secure. Included
among those already named and in addition to Messrs. France and Hackney,
previously referred to are: Lieutenant Colonel Beverly Ober, Dr. Maurice
Pincoffs, Judge Rowland K. Adams, John E. Semmes, Mayor W. Lee Elgin of
Hagerstown, Dr. George Finney, Herman M. Moser, Charles T. LeViness, Delano
Ames and others.

Before concluding I wish to accord a tribute to the members of the General
Assembly for their conscientious and dutiful service. In this I include the
members of the minority Party who, in many instances, disregarded party
considerations in supporting what they considered best for the State.

The work of the Legislature was ably assisted by the intelligent and
helpful efforts of the Attorney General and his staff.