648 State Papers and Addresses

KENT DEFENSE CORPORATION EXPLOSIVES PLANT

DEDICATION

March 26, 1942

Chestertown

THE dedication of this new plant of the Kent Defense Corporation here to-
day is cause for congratulation to the people of this whole area. It marks
another important link in the industrial effort of our State. I trust and confi-
dently believe that the example given by the public-spirited men of this com-
munity, in organizing this new company, will be followed in other communities,
particularly in those communities which have been hardest hit by the cessa-
tion of regular peaces-time industrial activities.

The most important aspect of this new plant, of course, is that it helps
to expand the already tremendous contribution that is being made by Maryland
to the war effort of our Nation. The industry of which it is a subsidiary has
done remarkable work in expanding to meet the increased demands upon it.
No doubt some of you were present at Elkton some months ago when we par-
ticipated in the award of a Naval Insignia to the Triumph Plant for specially
meritorious work in production. Knowing the people of this community and
being fully aware of the spirit of enterprise and patriotism here, I feel it safe
to predict that there will be general satisfaction with the out-put here, and that
this plant will quickly take its place among the most efficient of its type in our
land.

There is a second consideration involved, too, that is of major importance
to all the residents of this vicinity. This plant, production in which will be
stepped up, as I understand, to top production as quickly as) possible will provide
work for many people in this neighborhood. It will bring back here some of
the residents who have been compelled heretofore to go to Elkton for employ-
ment. Furthermore, it will add greatly to the amount of money in circulation
and will, therefore, do much to help adjust the economic situation which has
been disturbed by many factors since the war began.

It is generally agreed, and I believe the highest officials in Washington
will heartily endorse the statement that the greater the distribution of our
war effort among the various communities of our Nation, the more effective
the results, and the more wide-spread the benefits to the personnel employed.
Americans generally are so accustomed to thinking in terms of large industry,
that the fact has been more or less generally overlooked that all the large in-
dustries combined can never hope to supply the million-and-one war essentials
that our valiant fighting forces will need.

The only way we can be assured, as a Nation, of the all-out production
everyone agrees will be required, is though distribution of war contracts to as
many different communities as possible. Such a system not only makes avail-
able the greatest possible number of workers!, skilled and otherwise, but it