of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 611

tray ed. No dictatorship, this, with peremptory orders issuing from a self-
constituted all-high being1, to be obeyed under severest penalities. Rather, it
is the freest expression of the will of individual constituting the Government,
each local area handling its own local needs, and then stemming up through
the County and the State to the National leaders in Washington.

Is such a system of Government, such a way of life worth preserving? Is
it worthy of not only sympathy but of our utmost efforts, our very lives if
necessary? The years ahead will answer that question. And the whole course
of history will be determined.

Certain it is that unless we accept the gauge thrown down by Hitler and
his satellities, and rise to the defense of our American freedoms with all the
fury of an aroused peace-loving people, we shall not be worthy to retain those
privileges which are now ours. Such development is unthinkable, of course.
Merely to think for a moment of the tragic fate that has befallen the conquered
peoples of Europe will suffice to steel our hearts for whatever sacrifices may
be ahead.

This is a mighty war, and indications are that it will be a long and costly
one for us. Come what may, however, I am but reflecting the spirit evidenced
in this State, and in all the States when I declare that we will win the war,
we will do whatever is necessary, fight wherever we may be called, produce in
unheard of quanities until the final victory is achieved.

America has one objective of importance in this critical hour. We must
win this war, no matter what it may cost us as a Nation or as individuals.
Posterity is looking to us. We cannot fail.

Of late weeks, it has been our policy to visit various sections of Maryland,
just as I am visiting Salisbury today, to review efforts long ago initiated look-
ing towards the complete protection of our State from hostile attacks of any
kind. Recently at Easton, last Sunday at Cambridge, and now tonight in
Salisbury, I find an awareness of the situation among our people, and a complete
readiness to pitch in and do the job that is to be done. It is most heartening
indeed.

Not that we can yet proclaim that our defenses in Wicomico are complete.
They aren't. Your County Director and his assistants need additional volun-
teers in practically every phase of the Civilian Defense effort. No one can
rightfully hold himself or herself aloof from the necessities of Civilian Defense.
The safety of each individual, and the safety of your loved ones are at stake,
just as are the lives and limbs and property of all your neighbors. If bombs
should ever rain upon your County, you can rest assured they will know no
class or condition. They will fall on and blast each one alike.

It is amazing to me to find how many people can still apparently pursue
the even tenor of their way, despite all that has happened, and despite what
threatens. To any reasoning person who has the correct perspective upon life
today, it must be perfectly apparent that there is only one important thing to
be considered by evry American today. One's individual business, one's con-
venience, one's social life, are so utterly insignificant as compared to what