of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 603

chin up, " no matter how rough the going may become, no matter how many and
terrible the reverses that may be suffered. Morale is an intangible thing, but
it can be measured, it can be built up and preserved. It isn't something the
Government can do for us, however, but something that we must all do for the
Nation.

We are beginning, and only beginning, to feel the effects of the impact of
war upon our daily lives. Tire rationing, automobile and food rationing, any
other steps of this nature that may develop, can have a determining influence,
favorable or unfavorable, upon the national morale. If we face such privations
like good soldiers, we will help to build and sustain national. morale. Our
people must accept the fact that the Government has first claim upon rubber
or sugar or anything else that enters into our daily lives, just as it must have
first claim upon our services in any way that they may be utilized.

Any one who succeeds in getting or even attempts to secure, tires to which
he isn't entitled by vital defense necessity, isn't helping to build morale, isn't
being a loyal American. Any one who hoards food-stuffs, helps to upset the
economic structure and fails utterly to show the spirit of cooperation that
America must have now above all times in her existence.

The man or woman who listens to or helps to spread wild rumors is un-
wittingly aiding the Axis cause. Persons who would needlessly stir up racial
differences with aliens in our midst likewise add to his Country's difficulties,
instead of helping to solve them.

Among the thousands of enemy aliens who will be called upon to be certified
in Maryland during the month of February, undoubtedly will be found some
who are trying, or who may try in the future, to interfere with our National
effort for defense. If for any good reason you suspect any aliens of subversive
intentions, it is your duty as American citizens to bring the matter to the
attention of the FBI. But above all, let us avoid the hysteria of a general
alien man-hunt.

Let us keep in mind, in anything that affects or could affect the priceless
unity of purpose that now grips America, that our duty is to help and not
obstruct. Let us keep the word Morale definitely in our minds. As good
Americans let us resolve to do nothing that would in any way detract from the
main National effort.

As we finish our second month of participation in this most wide-spread
of all wars, it is encouraging to the utmost to note that developments since
Pearl Harbor are confirming the belief which we've never lost—namely, that
once America hits its stride, once its fighting men get into action, we will begin
to gain those victories which eventually will culminate in the utter dispersion
of all the Axis forces. In years to come children in the schools of Free Amer-
ica will read with pride how Americans of today overcame the appalling handi-
cap of unpreparedness, to win against odds that now look overwhelming.

In those future days, we may be sure, there will be another name added
in the history books to the long list of famous American Generals. Side by
side with Washington and Grant and Lee and Pershing, will be the name of that