of Governor Herbert R, O'Conor 65

That the National Guard furnishes such a framework is apparent to
everyone at all familiar with what happened when this country went into
the World War in 1917. The Guard made available to the Government troops
already well trained, officers by the thousands ready to step into newly
established outfits and there train thousands upon thousands of new soldiers.
And that the Guard outfits compared most favorably with the Regular was
proved time and again, and is now written indelibly in this Country's record
of that war.

Of almost equal importance in the way of preparedness, however, is the
necessity of impressing our people, and the people of all the States, that they
must be vigilant to detect, and reject, the insidious propaganda that is being
spread about by those alien groups who reject the aims of Democracy, and
who would make the free people of America just as subservient to the State,
as are the people of the foreign states, ruled by dictators.

Such dangers as this are more difficult to detect, and hence more difficult
to defeat, than any military onslaughts could ever be. They are difficult to
detect because they can be so cleverly disguised, so that many times even
the best-intentioned may be deceived. Wherever people are determined, how-
ever, that come what may they will stand as a unit against any invasion of
their personal rights, there is little danger that their Democratic government
can be overthrown.

America has been the envy, and the despair, of governments the world over
for more than 150 years. At the outset, the nations of Europe freely predicted
that the democratic form of government, as instituted here, could not sur-
vive. Lately, particularly since the depression of the early thirties, such
predictions, inspired by desire rather than fact, have been freely spread about,
again.

However, America is still functioning, and will continue to function just
as long as you, its citizens, are on your guard, and are willing to do whatever
is necessary to protect our form of government. So, as we leave here today,
let us take a new resolve that there are JUST TWO really important things
with which to concern ourselves today, amidst all the turmoil prevalent in the
world—we must be prepared so fully that we can defend our Country against
unjust aggression;. and we must be alert to drive out from our midst the
purveyors of Anti-American doctrines. As long as we are on the alert in
these directions, America will continue to be the "land of the free" and
American institutions will be safe. In this determination our citizens stand
as one hoping for the day when International peace and good will may reign
throughout the world.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

June 3, 1939
College Park

AS an alumnus of this University, also as Governor of the State, I derive
genuine satisfaction from participation in these commencement exercises.
The graduation of such a large number represents another step in the