of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 635

American boys there, but particularly of the harassed people of Australia. Let
us hope, and confidently look for, a continuation of General MacArthur's brilliant leadership in his new, broader field. Under him, we can all be sure that
the maximum effect of American war effort in the Southeast Pacific will quickly
be felt.

One of the things that, I am sure, everyone here is interested in is im-
provements in the roads of this section, and particularly in the York Road,
above Towson.

You perhaps know that plans are complete, calling for a relocation of this
road, with a 24-foot strip from Sparks to Hereford as the first unit to be con-
structed. This 24-foot lane ultimately would be one section of a dual lane
highway. Contemplated improvements to the road must await approval by the
Federal Government, in Washington, of the State Roads Commission's applica-
tion. With the Public Roads Administration having already shown interest in
the project, we are very hopeful that Federal approval will be forthcoming.

In a similar way, the survey undertaken by the State Roads Commission to
determine the flow of traffic over the Joppa Road, east from Towson, and
whether improvement is needed must be considered.

Close study of this area showed that much of the travel to the defense
section around Middle River and Dundalk used Taylor Avenue, which latter
road apparently was adequate to take care of such additional travel. By this
it isn't suggested that either Taylor Avenue or Joppa Road even comes close
to being the ideal transportation facilities. Again, however, in the light of
greater exigencies elsewhere, the people of Towson must realize that, in times
of stress like this through which we are passing, first things come first, and
other even important improvements may have to wait upon the completion of
those that are in the interest of the greater number of people.

The emphasis laid upon the industrial production of the county does not by
any means imply that this is the county's only contribution to the war effort.
From an agricultural standpoint, and as a contributing factor to the important
task of feeding not only our own people here at home, but also our soldiers and
sailors and those of our Allies, Baltimore County ranks high up in the picture.

In war as it used to be conducted, it was a truism that "an Army traveled
upon its stomach. " Much more is this true today, when speedy communication
makes possible the transportation of our soldiers and sailors to points all over
the world, and it becomes necessary to send with them, or to keep sending after
them, the food that will keep them fit for the arduous task of coping with the
foe. Our men have not been trained, as have the Japanese, to subsist upon a
few handfuls of rice per day. The high standard of living which the free op-
portunity of America made possible to everyone, is reflected thoroughly in the
eating habits of all our people and, of course, of those who are in the Service.
We must keep them supplied with the kind and the quantities) of food to which
they have been accustomed, and we must depend upon the agricultural counties,
such as Baltimore County, to step up production to meet the increased demands
of the moment.